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Posts tagged with "accessories"

Will The iPad 1 Keyboard Dock Work With The iPad 2? [Update: Yes]

A notable lack on Apple’s accessory page for the iPad 2 is the Keyboard Dock the company used to sell last year for the original iPad which allowed you to dock the device, charge it, and type with a physical keyboard at the same time. I own a 2010 Keyboard Dock and, in spite of its portrait-only functionality, it is a well-made piece of tech that I used a lot last summer when I needed to write my articles on the go.

Keyboard Dock is no more. Apple isn’t selling such an accessory for the iPad 2 (they only have a new dock for sale), and AppAdvice reports the dock you bought last year won’t work with the iPad 2: it doesn’t fit well and doesn’t charge the device.

The decision doesn’t come as a surprise considering Apple’s rapid move to touch interfaces instead of physical keyboard input. Clearly, Apple thinks the iPad’s virtual keyboard is great for most of the typing you’ll need to do, and if you really want a physical keyboard you can still get one of the third-party ones that will come out in the next weeks – or just buy an Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard that works perfectly with the iPad. But that is, no native option for the iPad 2.

Update: we’re hearing from some of our readers that the Keyboard Dock typing works, but the iPad 2 doesn’t indeed fit very well and charging is rather random. Works for some, doesn’t do anything for others. We’ll look into this. Read more

MacStories Product Review: Seagate GoFlex & GoFlex Desk For Mac

Storage is both incredibly cheap and amazingly portable these days, allowing us to carry gigabytes upon gigabytes of iTunes media, Time Machine backups, and HDD clones in our messenger bags. Too, hard drives are getting much more sophisticated, adaptable to both local Mac and network sharing. I’ve had the chance to play with a pair of GoFlex external hard drives for the Mac that offer some notable flexibility.

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The Genius of Apple’s Smart Cover

The most exciting part of the March 2nd keynote was not the introduction of the iPad 2, but the introduction of its surprise accessory that makes the iPad 2 twice as magical as its predecessor. Approximately twenty-five minutes into his speech, Steve Jobs broadcasts signals of pure excitement. Suddenly the mediocre announcement of the Digital AV Adapter was transitioned into what might have as been Job’s, “One last thing.” With the unveiling of the Smart Cover, Jobs hadn’t yet looked so happy in the keynote. Clearly, this was something to pay attention to.

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Apple’s Digital AV Adapter Works With 1st iPad

If you’re looking for HDMI out video on devices other than the iPad 2, you might be happy knowing Apple’s Digital AV Adapter works with your iPhone 4, iPod touch 4th gen, and first iPad if you’re inclined to hold onto it for another year. These devices will only output 720p video, however, but keep in mind that’s still technically HD quality. If you’re looking for video mirroring, it appears to only be supported by the iPad 2. The Digital AV Adapter is available for $39.00 in the Apple Store.

[via Engadget]

iPad 2 Gets A New Apple Dock

As noted by iLounge, Apple announced a slightly modified version of the iPad dock to fit the new model unveiled today. What’s changed since the first version? Well, the iPad 2 dock seems to have a “small lip at the front” (perhaps to hold it better as it’s so thin?) that makes it a little bit different from the previous one. The usual 30-pin dock connector is included with support for charging and other accessories, as well as a 3.5mm audio line-out port.

It’ll look gorgeous next to a white iPad 2. [via iLounge]

The Pocket Stand - A Kickstarter Project

We’ll admit, we love unique ideas, especially ones that are driven toward Apple products. We’ve found another Kickstarter project to show you on MacStories, it’s called The Pocket Stand.

The Pocket Stand, by Mike Paek and Sam Chan,  is an iPad accessory, you could also call it a compact multi-tool for the minimalist. It is both a speaker amplifier and a stand that props your iPad in multiple configurations (Bonus: It also functions as a bottle opener). In the end, The Pocket Stand allows you to gain extra functionality without sacrificing the mobility inherent of the iPad. Read more

MagicWand Connects Magic Trackpad and Apple Keyboard

The MagicWand, a new accessory from Mac-only company TwelveSouth, aims at transforming your desk into the setup you’ve always dreamed of by connecting the Magic Trackpad you know and love with the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard. With the MagicWand, the Magic Trackpad and the keyboard will become a single input device you can use with any Mac anywhere you are – on your desk, sofa, kitchen, and so forth.

The concept of a unified keyboard and trackpad isn’t new to Mac aficionados. In the past months, we covered the BulletTrain Express, a product that puts the two pieces of hardware onto a single aluminum surface. The concept of the MagicWand is similar, but the experience looks more streamlined and easier to set up. Plus, you don’t have to buy a dedicated keyboard or additional trackpad as you just have to set up the accessory to connect Apple’s devices.

TwelveSouth’s promo video and product page detail some of the scenarios for the MagicWand, such as Photoshop “two hands at a time” or browsing photos on your Mac from the comfort of your couch. The idea, again, is interesting and elegant enough in typical TwelveSouth’s fashion.

The MagicWand will cost you $29.99 with free shipping for a limited time (United States only). Check out the MagicWand’s official page for more info, and video after the break. Read more

MacStories Product Review: Sena Folio Case for iPad

It is no secret Sena makes beautiful products. From travel cases to sleeves and integrated keyboard folio designs, Sena’s leather quality and manufacturing process is top notch. In fact, I don’t think any other company I know of makes better leather accessories than Sena’s. Over the past weeks I’ve been able to test a Folio Case for the iPad, an elegant case with a portfolio book design that adds a very “sophisticated” tone to the device. Read more