Tag Archives: accessories

Marware SportShell Convertible Review

Marware, the Florida based electronic accessories company, has sent TechGeec.com the SportShell Convertible case for the iPad to review. The case is extremely innovative with new features that most other hard-shell iPad cases don’t have. The SportShell Convertible has a retail price of $59.99 – a pretty steep price for a case, but definitely worth it once you find out about all of the features it has to offer.

The one feature that stands out the most is the replaceable back. The case comes with two backings – one clear, and one gray (matching the rest of the case). The gray back can be installed if one wishes to not have the back of the iPad visible. If one would like to have the Apple logo, ‘iPad’ branding, as well as the allotted memory visible, then the clear back may be installed to still provide the same amount of protection, but also allow the iPad’s back to be visible. Also, one can place a picture between the iPad and the clear back so as to display the photo.

Another key feature of the SportShell Convertible, is the four “legs”. Two long legs allow for the iPad to be propped up at the perfect angle for browsing the web, watching movies, or searching through the YouTube app, while two much shorter, stubbier legs allow the iPad to be lifted ever so slightly to (try to) make it easier to type on. Personally, I am indifferent when it comes to these shorter legs because it does not prop the iPad up at a great enough angle to make it any easier to type (however, others may find it to be very useful; it depends on personal preference).

The case also comes with a hand strap that may or may not come in handy (no pun intended). I don’t find it all that useful and so if one chooses to remove it, the stubs that hold it in place may be removed very easily.

The major downside to the SportShell Convertible is that the case wraps around very closely to the volume rockers/orientation lock and the power button. There’s a slip lip to allow for easy acces to them from behind, however, if trying to access them straight on (how I do) it can be a bit difficult.

One last feature that many may enjoy (while others may not) is that the case does not cover the aluminum bezel on the front of the iPad (in other words, some of the aluminum on the front of the iPad is exposed). Some may like the fact that the sleek aluminum is peeking through, while others would rather have all of the aluminum protected (I enjoy it).

Overall, this case is highly recommend, although the price may be hefty. It’s feature packed, elegant, and most importantly, it will protect your iPad. You can find more information about the SportShell Convertible at Marware.com.

A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings and/or products after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.

iPad Accessories Already Being Made

It seems that a few companies have wasted no time to release their brand new iPad accessories. With 57 days left until the iPad is available for purchase, these few companies are already ahead of the game. Wrappers, Scosche, Griffen Technology, and iLuv are some companies that already have products lined up for the iPad.

Wrappers has announced no logo protective sleeves for Apple’s tablet including five new textiles for the iPad:

  • canvas backed corduroy that feels like faux suede in Midnight, Biscuit and Shrimp Pink £22.00/$36.00
  • durable black and white rafia tested to 33,000 rubs £28.00/$45.00
  • aqua colourway from LVMH Kenzo £25.00/$40.00
  • wool & black velvet mix from Calvin Klein £40.00/£$65.00
  • smart checked textile from Ralph Lauren £38.00/$61.00

Wrappers’ exclusive Alcantara (£31.00/$50.00), ballistic black nylon Cordura (£16.00/$26.00) and metallic finish polyurethane (£31.00/$50.00) sleeves will also be available for the iPad.

Scosche:

“We pride ourselves at consistently being one of the first accessories manufacturers to market with leading edge products following an iPhone, iPod, or now iPad announcement,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “It’s that ability to react quickly without sacrificing quality that has helped us develop necessary accessories like the new kickBACK.”

Griffen Technology has released four new cases for the iPad along with a full-sized screen protector.

Learn More ...

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Lastly, iLuv has ten brand new accessories for Apple’s iPad.

Rivet MicroSleeve for MacBook Pro 15″/MacBook 13″

I am very pleased to give you TechGeec.com’s first MacBook Pro accessory review. Rivet was kind enough to send us out the MicroSleeve ($21.90) available for the MacBook Pro 15″ and MacBook 13″. To get the ball rolling, I’d first like to mention that this accessory is a sleeve (not a case) and so it’s not meant to protect the computer against major bumps, drops, and falls. What it will protect it against is dust, normal, everyday bumps, as well as gunk or fingerprints that may get on it while it’s being carried or moved.

The MicroSleeve is tailored from “exclusive” strong and soft micro fiber (similar to the cleaning cloths meant for computer screens, eye glasses, etc.). Because of this fabric, as you’re constantly sliding your MacBook in and out of the sleeve, it will be helping to remove some of the fingerprints or smudges that might be on the exterior casing of the Mac. Due to the softness of the micro fiber, it will also leave your computer scratch-free when sliding it in and out frequently.

The fabric is also incredibly thin leaving it available to fit in any backpack, briefcase, or bag that the MacBook would normally fit in by itself. Also, the MiroSleeve has a pretty tight fit on the MacBook so the shape of the computer will also show through the sleeve making it look even better than having a few loose corners like you might have on other sleeves.

The only flaw that I have found with the MicroSleeve is that on one of the sides, the fabric is cut about ¼ of a centimeter short so some of the Mac is exposed. Of course, this flaw is probably just on the particular sleeve that we happened to receive. For the most part, this is a magnificent sleeve for the MacBook and MacBook Pro and the gray color that it comes in will do a great job at suiting any lifestyle. You can find more information on Rivet’s MicroSleeve at RivetNow.com and stay tuned for our upcoming review on Rivet’s Vertical Sleeve.

A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.