To attach the lens to your phone, you need to attach a small sticker. The sticky side attaches to your iPhone and the metallic side is a magnet which attaches to the lens. This ensures that you don’t need a complicated case to use the lens, a feature I love, and in addition, the circlular sticker just barely fits in a lot of camera cut outs, such as the Speck SmartFlex View’s one.

Magnetic attachment for Lens

The Lens in its two parts

The wide angle lens takes stunning shots, and the difference is quite clear. Taking pictures is essentially the same, and there’s no need for additional software, so you can use your built in Camera app. To be precise, the wide angle is a 0.68x lens, and the difference is clear between the wide angle and regular shots. What is interesting however, is that the fringes of the image are sometimes blurry, so the shots aren’t 100% clear.

without Wide Angle

with Wide Angle

*Note that the image above was taken through a window, so that’s why there’s a little reflection above.*

To use the macro lens, you must unscrew the wide angle lens and remove the non-magnetic part. Since the macro lens is not built into the iPhone camera, you have to do the majority of the focusing, and I’ve found there’s a small range of distances from your subject that work quite well (normally a couple inches away). Unlike the wide angle, which has some blurry spots on the edge of photographs, image quality with the macro lens is perfect, and there’s no blurring of any sort.

Picture of wooden desk taken with Macro Lens

Carbon Fiber with Macro Lens

Possibly the only gripe  I have is that I wish there was another way to magnetically attach the lens to a phone – the sticker rings work great, but if you have to remove your sticker for some reason or another, you have no choice but to use the next one. This also doesn’t solve the problem that if my friend wants to try it out on his phone, he has no choice but to hold the lens up with his hand.

Overall, the PhotoJojo Wide Angle and Macro Lens is an excellent product both in functionality and price-wise. If you don’t mind the little circular sticker attachment, for only $20, there’s pretty much no reason you shouldn’t buy it. You can buy it at the PhotoJojo website.

For more pictures, check out the gallery below!

The post PhotoJojo Macro & Wide Angle Lens for iPhone Review appeared first on AppleCentric.

The MobileMount comes in a small, unassuming, black box. Inside is the mount itself, in addition to a few circular stickers. The stickers are for use on materials which the suction cup will not work on (I’ll explain more about this later). No instructions are present, which is mildly annoying if you’re given one as a present, but since using the MobileMount is quite straightforward this shouldn’t be a huge problem. To start using the MobileMount, just remove the temporary stickers on top of the suction cups and go.

To attach the MobileMount to your device, align the smaller suction cup with the device, and making sure it’s in the unlocked position, ahere the two together. Then comes the MobileMount’s brilliance. Instead of using and trusting the weak suction power , the MobileMount has a “twist-to-lock” mechanism that strengthens the bond.

The MobileMount is surprisingly strong, given its relatively small body, but it easily held up my iPad (with a hardshell case and Smart Cover) and I was able to move it into various positions. However, when I tried typing on the iPad, it did wobble a little bit. With any smartphone though, the mount is rock solid.

The thing about the MobileMount is that since it uses suction cups, you need to make sure the material of the device you’re attaching to the MobileMount is compatible. For example, my Speck SmartFlex View case had too much of a matte finish to work with the MobileMount. However, J and M company had already foreseen this issue, and included a bunch of circular stickers in the packaging. All you have to do is cut out and stick the stickers on the material which doesn’t stick well, and they’ll be compatible.

Unfortunately, the MobileMount does not fold into a portable version, though the device is not terribly large in and of itself. Another small gripe that I had with it was that it requires a lot of effort to turn the knob into the locked position, and if your fingers are sweaty this becomes very hard.

Overall, the MobileMount takes a step away from the traditional (and now boring) concept of a device stand, and adds much more functionality with its dual suction cup design, which makes it compatible with nearly all smartphones and tablets. You can buy the MobileMount here for $39.99, and it comes in black (pictured) and white. If you’re looking for a car mount for your phone, and sort of wall mount (temporary) or a stand, in addition to many other uses, the MobileMount is a great purchase.

If you want to see more pictures of the MobileMount and the MobileMount in action, check out the gallery below!

The post MobileMount Review appeared first on AppleCentric.

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The Day Trip

Gadget Recommendation: iPhone, iPad

Accessory Recommendation: Lightweight backpack

Most of the time, all you’re going to get the chance to use is your iPhone, but having your iPad is always an added security blanket and you don’t know if you’ll ever need it. This is based on the logic that most day trips consist of a drive, your main event(s) and the drive back. Even if you have a MacBook Air, the fast bootup time and almost instant access to your email and the web on your iPad will make it worthwhile for this. If you’re not the one driving, you can load up a few movies on your iPad and view them along the way, and the best part is you won’t need to worry much about battery life so there’s no need to carry an external battery pack. Consider downloading some free podcasts for your iPhone to kill time as well. In addition, your iPhone should be useful as a GPS to use if you’re in an unfamiliar city. To carry your iPad around, use a small backpack so you can store other essentials (water bottle, snacks, etc.) but not get too bogged down.

The 3 Day – 2 Week Trip

Gadget Recommendation: iPhone, Mac/iPad (more on this below)

Accessory Recommendation: Messenger or Full Sized Backpack, external battery pack

The biggest debate that springs up here is MacBook Air/Pro or iPad. To be honest, this really depends on what you plan on doing on your vacation. If you’re processing video, need to work, or want to type a lot, you’re going to have to bring your Mac and ditch the iPad. If you have a long commute and your airline doesn’t have inflight entertainment, load up movies on your iPhone and Mac, as your Mac might run out of battery and then you can switch to your iPhone. However, if all you plan on using a computer for is email, Facebook, tweeting, and the occasional note, your iPad would be the better choice. Carrying around a messenger bag or full sized backpack will allow you to fit all your peripherals, as you may need an external battery pack if you have a long flight/drive.

The >2 Week Trip

Gadget Recommendation: Anything and everything you think you might ever use

Accessory Recommendation: Ditto

I’ve made the mistake of going on international trips for an entire month and deciding to skip taking my laptop and compromise with my iPad, but I regretted it just days after landing. If you’re on a trip this long, it’s worth the extra weight to have peace of mind that you won’t suffer an electornics related crisis. Also go overboard on peripherals and accessories, as you never know when you might need that headphone splitter or other peripheral.

Notes:

• If you don’t have an iPhone, but do have an iPod Touch, then you can interchange the two in the recommendations above (though note that you can’t use internet outside of WiFi hotspots, so if you have another smartphone you can use that instead).
• I also intentionally left out the iPod in all of the recommendations above. My iTunes library is around 6 GBs but I normally only sync a playlist around 1.5 GB to my iPhone so I don’t really have to worry about taking my iPod around with me, but if you have a huge music library and normally like to have all your music on hand, by all means, take your iPod with you.

The post Which iOS Devices Should I Take on My Trip? appeared first on AppleCentric.

Materials/Design

The SmartFlex View is made of a TPU material that is softer than the hard plastic used in the Candyshell, but is still harder than silicone, giving it a firm feeling. Currently, the SmartFlex View only comes in black and grey, but Speck is usually quick to add colors to their case lineup, so expect more colors depending on the popularity of this original model. The buttons are all in place, and they have a generally firm feeling which I like.

There is a decent amount of space present for the dock connector, but it’s pushing the line to a point where if you use different iPhone docks frequently you should look elsewhere. The camera and flash hole is abnormally large, a design trend Speck has incorporated since the iPhone 4′s inception and the case/flash issues, and this works well, and I don’t mind it. In addition to all that, there’s a Speck imprint on the back of the print laid out vertically, right above one of the coolest features of the case – the kickstand. The kickstand is situated at the bottom of the back of the case and is discretely implemented (more about this later).

Installation/Removal

As I mentioned earlier, one of the shortcomings of the original Candyshell case and its variants was how it was not easy to install and remove the case quickly, something that is important for select users. I’m happy to say that installation on the SmartFlex View is very easy and the same for removal, which takes just a few seconds. To install the case, just push your iPhone in and snap the corners in place.

To remove the case, I normally push through the camera hole with a little force and the case comes out. Another good thing is that this works with screen protectors, such as the BodyGuardz line, though I’m not sure how well it would work with a back shield.

Functionality

As far as protection is considered, this case provides a few feet of drop protection and feels solid. The TPU material can definitely take a few hits, and I feel that my iPhone is secure when it’s in this case. The slight lip that protrudes over the top of the phone gives your screen a little addition protection, which can always be used. One thing that I did notice is that the case does add a surprising amount of bulk, though this is similar to the amount a Candyshell case would add, so if you want your iPhone to remain sleek and slim, the SmartFlex View isn’t the case for you.

The kickstand itself is an excellent innovation, and many people are amazed and in awe of it when they see it. To use the kickstand, just pull out the small tab and then latch it into position, and then you can use it in either portrait or landscape mode.

While there are only two possible viewing angles, these are the two most usable ones, and this beats having to carry around yet another iPhone accessory.

Overall the Speck SmartFlex View is an excellent case for your iPhone with a few minor problems. If you don’t mind the potential dock connector issue and the added bulk, the kickstand and protection the case offers make it a great choice for most iPhone users.

Want to see more pictures of this case? Check out the gallery below!

The post Speck Smartflex View Case for iPhone 4(S) – Review appeared first on AppleCentric.

The customization process is relatively simple, though still quite robust, and takes place entirely on Timbuk2′s website. While the company is more well known for their messenger bags, they have silently built up a strong line of iPad accessories. To customize, simply go to the “customize your bag” page. Click on the bag you want, and then choose the size. For the iPad and similarly sized (10 inch) tablets, the X-Small option is what you want, and if you’re unsure, Timbuk2 has a handy “Will your laptop fit?” feature. Next, and possibly the most important part, you choose the colors and materials you want for the three panes on your sleeve.

I went with the ballistic nylon material for two of my panels, and this is the default material and costs no additional money. For the middle panel, I decided to try out the polybond material, in the gunmetal color, and this runs an extra $5. Finally, choose the color of your binding, and your Timbuk2 logo color. In addition to all of this, you can add on accessories, but I found these to be ridiculously overpriced ($19 for a small pouch (!!!)) and didn’t get one. The bag itself costs $39, so with the additional $5 panel, it ended up at a rather pricy $44. The catch is that, since this is custom made, it’s non-returnable, so I would make sure that I’m definitely happy with my color choice before purchasing.

My first impression of the bag was how solid it felt. Seriously. I’ve seen plenty of sleeves, and the silicone/polyester material that most of them use feel okay, but nothing to this magnitude. The panels were extremely strong feeling and I felt that my iPad would be secure in the sleeve. The sleeve has a simple design with no explanation needed; open the sleeve, put your iPad in, close the sleeve. The colors looked just as they did on the site, something that’s often a problem when ordering things in custom colors and such, and this was definitely a good thing on Timbuk2′s part.

The inside of the bag is lined with a soft microfiber lining, and this is nice to the touch and will keep your iPad scratch free inside the sleeve. Unlike many multi-purpose sleeves, this one comes with no carrying handle or shoulder strap, and there is no other pocket for accessories or such. One thing that I noticed, however, was that the velcro was rather loud, so if you envision yourself trying to be as silent as possible, stay away.

I first tried putting my iPad in without the Smart Cover, but with the Enki Genius Case on, and it fit very well. However, putting my iPad in with the smart cover and the case was initially a stiff fit, but it’s loosened up just enough for it to be a snug, yet not potentially bag-tearing, fit. One thing that I quickly noticed, however, was how thick the sleeve (with the iPad) was. Due to the materials used, Timbuk2 seems to be going more for the “secure” than the “slim” feel for their sleeve, and I appreciate this. However, if you want to keep your iPad as lean as possible, this is a potential issue.

Overall, the sleeve is strong enough to take any abuse it could get from being carried around in a bag, and even without a bag, and the custom coloring is definitely an added touch. The only cons that I’ve found with this sleeve include the rather high price tag (though you get the quality you pay for) and the loud velcro noise, which is more of a personal thing than a huge problem. If you’re interested in a quality iPad sleeve, I definitely recommend the Timbuk2 Envelope Sleeve.

For more pictures, check out the gallery below!

The post Timbuk2 Custom Envelope Sleeve for iPad (and Other Tablets) Review appeared first on AppleCentric.

Protection

Unless you plan on never taking your iPad out of its original packaging and using it with gloves, you’re going to need a case and screen protector of some sorts. While a lot of contention has been made about why you don’t need a screen protector for the Gorilla Glass, these claims still leave me dubious, and I feel more comfortable investing around $20 for a solid screen protector. I recommend the Bodyguardz Ultra Tough Screenguardz, which have a new gel based application method for easier installation. For the case, I like the polyeutherane Apple Smart Cover (I picked up one in the new dark grey color). Though it’s kind of pricey, the simple automatic wake and sleep is excellent, as are the stand viewing angles. You’re also going to need something for the back of the iPad, as the shiny metal is easily scratched – a plastic back shield. Almost every major iAccessory manufacturer has made some variant of one of these (I’m thinking of Incase, Belkin, Griffin, etc.), however most of them are >$30, and are not unique or special to justify the price. I like the Enki Genius Case. This runs for only $24.99 and is completely compatible with the Smart Cover. Finally, you’re going to need something to carry your iPad around in – a sleeve. I don’t have a specific recommendation on this, considering most sleeves out there will be fine, but Timbuk2 seems to have a few interesting options that you might want to check out.

Keyboard

If you plan on using your iPad for school or work, and you don’t already have a bluetooth keyboard, this would be a valuable investment. If you have a bluetooth keyboard you already use for another computer, there’s no need to purchase a new one, as it will work with your iPad. I’ve been looking around at the keyboard market recently, and I noticed that Zagg seems to have some unique and good-looking options available, and the price range is reasonable (you’re looking around a $70 investment). What I also like is a few of Zagg’s keyboards have their own cases, which help you if you’re stuffing your keyboard in a bag. Apple does sell a bluetooth keyboard, but it has shallow keys and comes with no case of any sort.

Dock

While I like to have an iPhone dock on my nightstand, most iPad docks are ridiculously priced and are too bulky to fit on a desk. Apple’s own dock  isn’t even compatible with the Smart Cover, let alone a Enki case, so I immediately ruled it out, and decided to use a stand in combination with a charging cable. Griffin’s iPad stand looks attractive, yet it’s not portable and doesn’t offer custom viewing angles. However, I found this gem on Amazon – the Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand. For only $12, this offers a ton of custom viewing angles, and folds up so you can take it with you. For such a low price, this is a must-buy.

Connection Cables/Devices

If you plan on using your iPad to stream video to a TV (and don’t have an Apple TV) or want to show a presentation via projector, you’ll definitely need a VGA adapter, which Apple sells. For your new iPad, this will allow mirroring of your display. If you’re a photographer (or want to mess around) I would also recommend getting the Camera Connection Kit (even a few external hard drives work with it).

The post What Accessories Should I Get For My New iPad? appeared first on AppleCentric.

Special thanks to the folks at UDS for sending me Captas for review. 

When we first covered the Capta, it was still in its infancy as a Kickstarter project, and in the few months since then, the product has been developed and manufactured, and is now ready for the market. The Capta comes in an interesting packaging, chock-full of text describing the product and all the things it can do, considerably different from the stark minimalism that most tech accessories geared towards iPhone users come with nowadays. After tearing open the package, you are greeted with the Capta itself, and nothing else – no instruction manual or such. Since the Capta is such a multi-faceted product, it’s kind of hard to explain, and some basic instructions on how to use it would have been useful. For example, I was initially unsure as to how to stick the metal cover back on the Capta, worried that I was messing something up.

To use the Capta, simply pull off the metal cover covering up the sticky PU pad, which is what really defines the Capta (more about this later). Then, stick your iPhone or other smartphone on the sticky part. You can attach the iPhone at different angles, depending on what you want to use the Capta for. The Capta is made of solid metal, and the material feels strong and smooth, making it a good choice.

The PU pad, which is how smartphones attach to the Capta, was initally a major concern for me. The promise that I could just stick my phone on there and it would be held in place, with no sticky residue, and take it off easily, seemed far-fetched, and I was skeptical until I actually had a Capta in my hand. With a naked iPhone, the process really was as easy as the people at UDS claim, and the strength of the bond was equally impressive. I could swing my Capta around and my phone remained in place, and even letting the Capta fall [onto carpet] left the iPhone still stuck securely. The only catch about this is that the Capta doesn’t work very well with select materials – for example, my Griffin Reveal Etch case didn’t adhere to the Capta, and this is unfortunate. That’s the only case that I tested, so your results may vary. However, an iPhone with a full-body skin stuck well.

The Capta, in combination with your favorite tripod, works as an excellent combination for your iPhone. Instead of having to purchase a new tripod just for your iPhone or other phone, you can use your existing tripod with a standard screw size and attach it to the Capta. Personally, I find this as the best use for the Capta, however there are other ways you can use your Capta as well. You can use your Capta as a stand for your iPhone, if you’re typing with a Bluetooth keyboard, for example, and this works well, though it requires a little experimentation on your part with your phone and your Capta. Finally, you can use your Capta for cable management, though the included slit on the bottom of the Capta is quite narrow, so don’t expect to use it for anything thicker than your iPhone 30 pin connector to USB cable.

Overall, the Capta is an excellent iPhone accessory that works as a great tripod extension, single cable management system, and as an iPhone stand. The Capta comes in a silver color and retails for $34.99. Currently, I feel the price is a bit too steep, but If you are remotely interested in any of the aforementioned three categories, I would definitely recommend buying the Capta.

Want to see more picture of the Capta in action? Check out the gallery below.

The post Capta – a Universal Smartphone Accessory [Review] appeared first on AppleCentric.

Step 1: Go to your dock and hover over the unresponsive application’s icon

Step 2: Right click on the icon, and you should see the option to quit or force quit

Step 3: Click the quit/force quit icon

Step 4 [Optional]: If the app didn’t close, simply repeat steps 1-3 and you should see the force-quit option.

Another great use for this is if you accidentally open an app that takes a long time to load [ex: Photoshop].

The post A Quick Way to Force-Quit an Unresponsive Application appeared first on AppleCentric.

I had low expectations of the product, as it was extremely cheap. It arrived almost a month after I had ordered it (it shipped from Hong Kong), and I had literally forgotten that I had bought one. The keyboard skin cover came in a plain cardboard box with no branding or wrapping, with the inside containing my Amazon invoice and the rolled up protector itself.

Installation is definitely one of the best parts of this keyboard skin cover. Simply place the cover over your keyboard, align it, and place down. There might be a little air left, but after a minute of typing the cover smoothened out. I was very happy at the fit, as it was a perfect fit for my Mac’s keyboard. There is no adhesive, and as a result you can take off and put back on the cover extremely quickly and as many times as you want.

Since the cover is made of thick silicone, it definitely changes how the keyboard feels. The keys are wider, and you have to press harder (just a bit) to push the keys down. This takes a while to get used to, and the first couple days I used the protector it was hard to type out long documents, but after a week or so I had gotten used to it. Of course, this has its benefits, as I can type with greasy fingers and then clean off the protector without worrying about my keyboard, and I have even spilled liquids in the protector and it hasn’t leaked into the keyboard.

Without Cover

With cover

As a result of the thickness, the largest functionality that is impaired through use of this keyboard is the backlighting. In the picture above, the keyboard is backlit, yet you can barely see anything out of the top of the keys, leading to it being rendered useless. Personally, I don’t work in the dark all that much and I type without looking at the keyboard, so this is a very minor problem, but if you use your backlit keyboard a lot, you may want to avoid this product.

Overall, for the extremely cheap price, I couldn’t be happier with what I have gotten out of the GTMax Silicone Keyboard Skin Protector. For $1.27, this offers great protection for your keyboard, and while you may need to steer clear if you use your backlight a lot, I highly recommend this product.

The post GTmax Silicone Keyboard Skin Cover for Unibody MacBooks Review appeared first on AppleCentric.