Shufflegazine » Accessories

Cool accessories

Magnus Nystedt — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:22:04 +0000

These two accessories may be overpriced, but they are also clearly very cool. We will try to bring you more examples of stylish and innovative accessories for computers and mobile devices in future posts.

Twelve South BookArc
www.twelvesouth.com

Twelve South is a manufacturer of different kinds of accessories. Different in that they are innovative, stylish and made out of high-quality materials. The BookArc is no exception.

Mac portables can keep running connected to an external display even if they’re closed. That’s what the BookArc is meant for. It’s basically an arc made out of aluminum that has a slot running through the middle in which an Apple portable can rest. In the slot you can fit an insert out of a rubber-material that protects the notebook, as well as makes the slot fit a particular model. With the inserts you can fit the first gen white and black MacBooks as well as the aluminum model. All sizes of MacBook Pros also fit, both the uni-body and non-unibody models. There is of course also room for the MacBook Air.

By standing the notebook vertically you accomplish two things: free up desk space and increase air circulation around the Mac. Increased air flow cools the Mac and potentially runs it with less fan noise and increased performance.

Twelve South has again done an outstanding job with conceptual idea, design and manufacturing. If you have a Mac portable, this is one cool accessory you should get.

Just Mobile Alupad
www.xtand.net

You may think that Just Mobile’s Alupad is a one-trick pony, and you’d be right. This is a stylish mousepad that can replace that ragged 10 dirham mousepad you probably have next to your computer. So at the core it’s «just» a mousepad, and it’s not even exclusive to Mac computers. Any mouse will do, although it’s clearly made especially with Apple’s Magic Mouse in mind. It glides very smoothly across the top surface of the Alupad, and if you use a mouse all day, every day, perhaps the reduced resistance means less stress on your hand and wrist.

Perhaps it’s a stretch to say that ergonomics is among the benefits of the Alupad, but there’s no doubt that it’ll fit right in next to your Apple computer and monitor. The bottom is the same brushed aluminum that Apple uses and the top is white, also a match for the material Apple uses.

If you want a stylish mousepad that really stands out and is a joy to use, look at the Just Mobile Alupad.

Samsung SCX-4623FN multifunction laser printer

Magnus Nystedt — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:05:35 +0000

The Samsung SCX-4623FN is a multifunction monochrome (black and white) laser printer that can also scan, copy and fax.

I know what you’re thinking – “oh, sexy, a black and white laser.”

You wouldn’t be too wrong either because this isn’t a machine you’d get very excited about. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be interested in what it has to offer.

The basics are pretty simple: it prints and faxes in black and white, it scans in color. Printing resolution is 1200dpi and Samsung rates the printing speed as up to 22 pages per minute.

Let’s start with the design of the printer. It strikes me as pretty small in the footprint. This would fit in well on most desks whether that is in a home or regular office environment. It’s also quiet so it won’t disturb you much even if you’re working very close to it.

Like most printers today you install the software and plug in the printer. You can connect using USB or Ethernet. Wi-Fi would have been very welcome to give the printer more flexibility but I guess that would also push the price up.

So how does it perform where it counts? I printed a 100 page color PDF file from a Mac Pro on the same network as the printer. In terms of output quality the black and white text looks great- crisp and clear. Photos and other graphics are, as you would expect, not that great but for a black and white printer it’s as good as you can demand, I think.

However, of some concern is printing speed. After the Mac had sent the entire PDF to the print spooler, it took almost four minutes for it to send the document to the printer (and remember this is over a wired network). Once sent and the printer actually started printing I had to wait another five minutes for the last page to appear. If we disregard the four minutes of sending the file we land at about the 22 pages per minute Samsung says this printer should do. If we add the four minutes, then we land at around half that speed.

Copying the same 100 pages took almost exactly the same time as printing them, which is to be expected. Scanning was fast and produced good results overall. I didn’t try the fax functionality of the SCX-4623FN.

All in all I like this printer even though it has some shortcomings. The limited speed, at least in my testing, is the main issue I see but if you’re not in need of super-fast printing and you’re okay with black and white, this is a very attractive printer at a good price. I can see it sitting on my desk, especially at home, and that’s a good sign.

Samsung SCX-4623FN multifunction laser printer

3/5

Price: AED 999

Info: web site

Pros: High print quality; multifunctional; small size

Cons: Modest printing speed; only black and white printing; no Wi-Fi

CloakBag lets you shoot while camera still in bag

Magnus Nystedt — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:36:53 +0000

It’s not often you see something really new and exciting in camera bags but I do think the CloakBag deserves at least a special mention. They try to address the old issue of having to pull out your camera from the bag to shoot thereby removing it from the protection of the bag. And if the camera is too complicated to take out and put back it’s likely to stay outside the bag more than spend time inside.

We’ve been told there is a review sample on its way to us so we’ll give you a more detailed view of the bag once it arrives.

Ivyskin has 3-in-1 iPhone case

Magnus Nystedt — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:40:45 +0000

In a small booth at CES I found Ivyskin. They make different kinds of accessories but the one that really caught my attention since it was different was their SmartCase. It’s basically a case for iPhone that also covers the screen, which is pretty rare. Using the iPhone was still working fine even though the screen was covered by the case. The part of the back of the case that is not already covered can take one out of a number of additions. I saw three additions: an extended battery, a money clip with room for credit card and just plain case.

Gmail addict? I have the accessory for you!

Magnus Nystedt — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:29:18 +0000

If you’re a heavy Gmail user you may want to take a look at Gboard. The guys behind this invention came up to me at CES today and handed me one of their keypads. It looks a bit like these numerical keypads you can buy for your computer but this one is especially made for using with Gmail. Basically each key is a Gmail shortcut or command, like search, compose, star, archive etc. All you do is plug it in and make sure shortcuts are turned on in Gmail. I’m not a heavy shortcut user in Gmail but with the Gboard I might just become one, at least with the Mac at work.

Cute and eco-friendly laptop sleeves for your Mac

Grace — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:57:58 +0000

I can’t believe it’s the holiday season once again. Didn’t we just celebrate it a few days ago? Well, at least it feels like that for me. Everything is just coming so fast, sometimes it’s scary. For those celebrating the Christmas here in the UAE and abroad, there’s no denying that it’s the season for gift giving. The holiday rush has definitely started.

This year, I’ve pledged I’d go for handmade gifts and where to look for handmade beauties online but in Etsy!

If you haven’t heard of Etsy, it’s a global marketplace for everything handmade. I love buying handmade items because they have so much more feeling to them so they can make great heartfelt gifts. Most of the artisans selling their crafts on Etsy are from the United States and Canada (although there are artists from all over the world) but my packages arrived in Dubai without any problems.

Check out these handmade laptop sleeves I found! Maybe you could find something you can give to MacBook users in your list, or for yourself!

Let’s start with the cute fabrics for the girlie types:

1. Blossom Laptop sleeve by MirkaDesign $28

Note from the artisan: This colourful flower padded sleeve will make your laptop feel as never before! (On a personal note, I think this laptop case feels and definitely look like Christmas!)

2. Mendocino Mermaids by Lollington $37.95

Note from the artisan: Who says that elegance can’t also be rugged? The body is made from heavy-duty burgundy duck cloth, while the front is embellished with a striking Heather Ross design.

3. Asian Cherry Blossom by janinekingdesigns $49

Note from the artist: “This great looking Janine King padded Laptop Sleeve allows you to carry your 13″ MacBook safely and with style!”

4. Heather Ross Japanese cotton by fernfiddlehead $35

Note from the artisan: “A one-of-a-kind cover for your MacBook. Made from a Heather Ross Japanese-imported cotton/linen blend. Closes with a beige hemp string twisted around two mother of pearl buttons.”

5. The MacSak by WallabyBagCo $34

Note from the artisan: “I designed the MacSak™ after a customer told me her laptop was jealous that her iPhone was getting all the attention; tucked away safely in a fancy “Wallaby” sleeve, free from scratches, bumps and bruises.”

*****

If you are going environment conscious this holidays and pledge to reduce, reuse and recycle or help support the cause, Etsy has some wonderful laptop sleeves/cases for the MacBook made from recycled materials.

1. Fontanelle Recycled Necktie Laptop Sleeve by tartdesign $40

Note from the artisan: “This one-of-a-kind laptop sleeve is made from 100% recycled materials: seven men’s neckties and button from my Grandmother’s collection.” (what a brilliant idea! The soft silky feel of neckties make this laptop case unique.)

2. Eco Recycled Banner Sleeve by NottyPooch $59

Note from the artisan: “A basic laptop sleeve case constructed by using recycled billboard banner. A combination of geeky and eco friendly!”

3. Laptop armor envelope style by interrobang $38

Note from the artisan: This laptop case is upcycled from seatbelts, the sleeve is lined with nice soft fleece, to prevent scratches on your computer’s exterior.

4. Grey Wool felt laptop case by byrdandbelle $70

Note from the artisan: “Felted material is 100% Merino wool felt and is 1/8″ thick and soft to the touch. This felt is an ecological, sustainable and renewable material and due to its high quality, has an innate durability while remaining soft.”

5. The brosef leather case by fullgive $144

Note from the artisan: Give your laptop the penthouse it deserves, both stylish and functional. Wrap your computer in a heavy leather exterior while the inside provides a soft felt wool pocket (comfy enough to sleep in). The case is hand cut from 9 oz genuine top grain leather.

* Most, if not all, artisans accept custom orders and can make a laptop sleeve depending on customer’s size requirements. *

So, found something you fancy?

Disclosure: This blog or the writer didn’t receive any form of monetary compensation from the artists behind the products mentioned above.

This is a post made by a freelance blogger. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Shufflegazine or CENTIMETERCUBE Publishing.

Terry White’s Holidays Gift Guide

Fakhra Omair — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:13:31 +0000

Gifts shows the beautiful side of our feelings toward those we care about. And finding the perfect gift sometimes isn’t as easy as we think it will be. For two years or so I’ve been inspired by the Gift Guide offered by none other than the acclaimed Terry White himself.

His guides unfold a plethora of great gadgets and goodies arranged in excellent manner. I invite you to scan within his 2009 Guide as I’m sure you’ll find awesome ideas not only for your loved ones but also for yourself. Happy browsing!

This is a post made by a freelance blogger. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Shufflegazine or CENTIMETERCUBE Publishing.

Love it or hate it: A wooden laptop case for your MacBook

Grace — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:54:59 +0000

I’ve been googling around when I woke up at an unholy hour of 2 am one day, hoping to find something borish so I can go back to sleep. I perfectly know, I’m kidding myself here – up to this day, there’s nothing boring in the internet for me. It’s an endless ocean of information that keeps my adrenaline flowing so not only I wasn’t able to lull myself back to sleep, I found something that kept me more awake instead!

Enter the laptop case that DOESN’T look like a laptop case. At all. (click on the images to enlarge)

This wooden laptop case with leather lining and magnetic closing device for Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro 15 inch is made by woodworker Reiner Spehl. I love the feel and smell of wood, especially with the lack of trees and general nature feel here in Dubai. But seriously, a wooden laptop case?

The price isn’t mentioned in the website so I assume each order can be customized: extra polish, rounded corners, engraved names to show your love for your MacBook, etc. Of course, custom order would mean it should be more expensive than the average neoprene laptop sleeves available.

So, the ultimate question: do you love the beauty and uniqueness of this wooden laptop case? And the most intriguing question maybe: what would environmentalists say?

This is a post made by a freelance blogger. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Shufflegazine or CENTIMETERCUBE Publishing.

Using Nike+ for exercise?

Magnus Nystedt — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:20:33 +0000

I’m not in great shape but I’m trying to get in some sort of decent form for the 10km Road Race on January 22, 2010.

By the way, join the Shufflegazine team for the 10km race, I’m sure we’ll have fun.

For just about a week now I’ve been trying to stick to regular schedule of early morning exercise, getting out before the crack of dawn to do a bit of brisk walking. My latest walk was just this morning and I must say that using the Nike+ gear makes it a bit more interesting, not the least in the part that my results are uploaded to the web for me and for anyone else to see (you can turn the public viewing off if you like).

So if you haven’t already, get a Nike+iPod sensor, put on your shoes (any shoes will do but Nike+ shoes has a compartment for the sensor already), and walk or run. For me it’ll be a while before I get to actually running but I’m sure I’ll get there eventually. So far my Nike LunarGlide+ shoes, courtesy of Sun and Sand Sports, are great. They seem very stable sideways as well as offer very good cushioning. But it’s only been a week, I’ll try to let you know further ahead how they work out.

And join the 10k race of course.

Review: Shure E3c earphones

Magnus Nystedt — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:06:10 +0000

This is a guest review by Mohammad Alhuraiz of the Lochal Archade Gaming podcast. Since unfortunately the Shure e3c earphones are no longer in the market we decided to put this review online instead with this note attached.

In-ear earphones have always been a step up for the regular portable earphones; the sound quality is crisp, isolates you from the noisy surroundings and can be more comfortable for long periods of time. The Shure E3c is definitely a different breed, it surpasses many things regular in-ear earphones struggle with, it produces a very crisp sound. I tested the Shures on several music genres, it gave some really impressive results where it was needed. Shure E3c however falls short is comfort. These earphones have a weird way of wearing since you put in the buds in your ears then have the wires over them. A sacrifice for the absolute sound quality, that it isn’t very flexible. Your iPod’s equalizer needs to be taken seriously when using the E3c otherwise your music and podcasts will sound less audible than on a phone speaker. Another issue is that these earphones are quite an investment. You can find other earphones or headsets with slightly less sound quality with considerably cheaper prices. So if you’re an audiophile that can sacrifice comfort and money for superb sound, this can be the best head set for you. If you’re a casual listener, there are many other earphones out there for you.

Shure E3c earphones
4/5
Info: www.shure.com
Price: AED799
Pros: Extremely crisp sound quality; superb noise isolation; good build quality; good selection of sleeves
Cons: Steep price; very inconvenient and uncomfortable to wear

Apple Magic Mouse hands on review

Ali Dhanani — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:02:52 +0000

Apple has broken its long chain of terrible mouse designs with the new Magic Mouse, even if its multitouch features are limited in functionality. In 1983 Apple revolutionized the computing industry by introducing a new device, the mouse. Over the coming years they were cheered, criticized, applauded by a host of bloggers, industry executives and competitors (cough cough- Microsoft) on their latest invention and how well this new device would performed. Today, no one can associate the word computer without mouse. Apple’s first mouse, Lisa Mouse revolutionized the industry which has since been redesigned countless times. Over the years Apple refreshed, reinvented, redesigned the mouse to proudly release on October 20th 2009, the Magic Mouse.

The first thing you will notice when you open your Magic mouse is not just the mouse itself but the beautifully designed packaging. Apple, as always has made the packaging simpler just big enough to squeeze the mouse in. It comes in a packaging similar to the iPod touch, plastic and just big enough to fit the mouse.

Being a previous user of Apple’s mighty mouse, you might be somewhat skeptical that Apple could create a good mouse. You are in for a shock. In my opinion it is neither revolutionary or evolutionary. It falls somewhere between evolutionary and revolutionary. It’s evolutionary since Apple is at the end of the day taking technology we have previously had on the MacBook Pro and applying it to a mouse.

It is revolutionary in terms of a mouse since it is the first of its kind to have multi touch features.
One thing users will notice when first using the Magic Mouse is no track ball. Yes. That’s right. No more annoying track ball which constantly gets dirty and full of dust. One of my major problems with the previous Magic Mouse was the track ball and the insane amount of times I would have to clean it, probably the cause of our love-hate relationship.

The Magic Mouse is a very, very beautiful mouse. Its elegant and simple design along with new technological features make it a strong buy for any Mac user. Its rounded shape could not look any more beautiful. It is just as ergonomic. It fits right into your hand but some people I know find it very unergonomic (this depends on your hand).

Unfortunately it does lack some technological features such as three and four finger gestures. Why you may ask? Well it’s simple, if you are using three or four fingers on gestures how will you control your mouse? I did find it a bit misleading as I myself did think it would support these gestures. Those who often use their mouse to control Expose, Dashboard, show desktop and spaces features will be greatly disappointed as none of these functions can be controlled by the Magic Mouse. None the less the gestures it does support work flawlessly. The right click and left click to my surprise work much better than I had thought and scrolling has never been easier.

Another major improvement is connectivity. My Mighty Mouse worked up to 30 feet away from my computer, even though I have a big house with lots of concrete walls. In addition, when the Mighty Mouse was not used for long enough to go into sleep mode, I found the mouse would reconnect in a matter of seconds, unlike other bluetooth mouses on the market.

Those considering buying the Magic Mouse should be fully aware that it supports a limited number of gestures (three be exact). However, putting this aside, this is by far the best mouse Apple has produced. The on-screen tracking is excellent. Connectivity is more than adequate. However, the biggest disappointment with the Magic Mouse is the way the mouse feels on any surface such as a table or mouse pad. The result is a grinding, rough feel due to its two plastic rails at the bottom. I found the Apple Mouse to have a smoother ride than the Magic Mouse. Although the Magic Mouse is not perfect, for those looking for a elegantly designed mouse with simple two buttons and scrolling features it is definitely a buy. Unfortunately for those looking for more, an Apple solution is yet to be released.

A comparative look on the Magic Mouse size compared to the Mighty Mouse and iPhone 3GS

This is a post made by a freelance blogger. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Shufflegazine or CENTIMETERCUBE Publishing.

The iPod – the exercise companion that won’t fail you

Grace — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:27:49 +0000

Running/walking must be the simplest way to keep fit. You just put on your trusty running shoes, go out and run. That’s it. You can exercise and at the same time enjoy the view of nature outside, breathe fresh air and with cool gadgets such as an Apple iPod, you can even enjoy listening to your favorite music while running or walking in the neighborhood.

Here in Dubai, we couldn’t just put on our running shoes, go out and run whenever we feel like it. Depending on the time of the year, it could be impossible to stay outside even for a few minutes, much more, run a mile! When the temperatures soars to unbelievably high 40C’s with equally unbelievable high humidity, the only way to keep fit is to workout in the comfort of our own home or in a gym. Even on the milder, cooler Dubai winter, it’s not that fun to run outside, unless you’re in a park, it’s dangerous as there are really no sidewalk provision for runners on most streets, the air can be bad with all the construction going on and there’s no “nature” scene.

So to the gym it is! We all know how boring a gym can be when it becomes a routine. Even the most strong-willed fitness enthusiasts need a boost on some days.

When I first got my Apple iPod shuffle, I didn’t realize it could be my constant exercise companion that I can take whenever, wherever. It picks up my mood and gets me going. Sure there are lots of iPods available in the market today – we got a slew of choices ranging from iPod Nanos, iPod Touch, Classics, in different memory capacities. But any iPod will do, really. Get one, stock up on your favorite fitness tunes and you’re ready to go.

Listening to music during exercise improves most people’s performance in a number of ways. It provides encouraging rhythm that synchronizes with the body’s movement that helps us push further. It also helps keep maintain focus and diverts attention from the noise and in my case, television in the gym. I came there to sweat, not to watch Sigourney Weaver almost getting swallowed whole by a salivating alien. (No joke about that Alien movie – it’s still shown in Dubai TV!)

Working out to a beat do not only make the workouts fun, it also makes it faster – I mean, time flies when you’re having fun, right?

This is a post made by a freelance blogger. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Shufflegazine or CENTIMETERCUBE Publishing.

What’s In Your Bag?

Omran Al-Owais — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:54:30 +0000

There is really not much to be said about my bag. It’s a Mont Blanc document holder really, which I’ve taken as a computer bag for my MacBook Air. It typically holds the Mac, a Mont Blanc pen, and some business cards. As an architect and designer, it’s important for me to have something stylish to take with me when I meet clients but it also needs to be light because I travel around a lot.

ليس هناك الكثير لكي أقولة عن حقيبتي، انها حافظة اوراق من طراز ( مون بلا) و لكنني استخدمها كحقيبة لحاسوبي ماكبوك اير لانها مناسبة لة، كما يوجد بها قلم (مون بلا) و بعض بطاقات التعريف. كمعماري و مصمم من المهم لي ان تكون حقيبتي متميزة عندما اقابل عملائي كما انها يجب ان تكون خفيفة لأنني اسافر كثيراً.

Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of Shufflegazine.

4 Products of The Month

Magnus Nystedt — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:28:10 +0000

GoodDrive Fresh

Well protected in soft rubber material
Up to 8GB storage capacity
Distinct scent (three to chose from)
Holder for the cap so you don’t lose it

Price: AED69 (4GB)
From: GoodRAM
Web: http://www.goodram.com/474

GorillaPod Go-Go

Flexible, bends to any shape
Holds small device like iPod securely
Comes with suction cup, adhesive clip, and tripod mount

Price: Around $30
From: Joby
Web: http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/gogo/

Nokia N810

Internet Tablet
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections
Full-featured FireFox-based web browser
Mounts as drive on Mac’s desktop

Price: Around $300
From: Nokia
Web: http://www.nseries.com/products/n810/

BlueLounge Sanctuary

Charging station with connections for 1600 devices
Hides cables not in use
Functions as tray for keys, phone, iPod, wallet, etc.

Price: Around $120
From: Monster Cable Products
Web: http://www.bluelounge.com/thesanctuary.php

Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of Shufflegazine.

Razer Pro Click and Pro Pad

Magnus Nystedt — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:12:38 +0000

In the March 2007 issue of Shuffle we reviewed the Pro|Click and the Pro|Pad from Razer (see “Review: Razer Pro|Click and Pro|Pad”, page 7). Since it’s a combination that is well suited for games, we thought we’d repeat the main points here. The main selling point of the Pro|Click mouse is the high resolution, 1600DPI which, according to Razer, is about twice that of the sensors used in most mice. Basically this means that it is more responsive to your movements and more exact as well. The Pro|Pad is all aluminum, with a teflon coating and rubber-type feet. It works very nicely together with the Pro|Click mouse, and you can see how they’re really made for each other. Since both the Pro|Click and the Pro|Pad both use Teflon coating, they work almost without friction. You can find more information about Razer’s products at http://www.razerpro.com, and you can download their driver software from http://www.razersupport.com. Price: The Pro|Click sells for $59.99 and the Pro|Pad for $29.99.

by Magnus Nystedt