Tag Archives: YouTube

CopyTrans Manager Overview [UPDATED]

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CopyTrans Manager is a FREE iPod/iPhone/iPad manager which will allow the managment of all media located on the preferred device. You can do all the features with it that you can do with iTunes, except CTM is faster, lighter, and there’s no need for any installation. It wouldn’t hurt, however, if the UI was updated.

CopyTrans Manager, by WindSolutions, is a FREE iTunes replacement for Microsoft Windows. It’s much faster and lighter (uses less memory) than iTunes, however, it is also much simpler. It does, though, still have all of the important features that iTunes has – adding media to your device, edit song tags, album artwork, create/manage playlists, play music, etc.

There are many great features that CopyTrans Manager has, however, there are also some (not too bad) down sides to it. The newest version, v0.919, is now compatible with both iOS 4 as well with the iPhone 4 which is great considering the fact that already 3 million+ people now own the iPhone 4. The Manager is great for (very) simple use. There’s no fancy buttons or menus with endless options to go through which makes it extremely easy for non-computer savvy people to use (like my mother :D). It does offer some other benefits, however, like it’s usage of less memory than iTunes (not to mention there’s no installation needed).

Now this is not a complete iTunes replacement. You can’t buy music from it and your device must be plugged in for you to use it. The reason why you need to plug in your device, though, is because it’s an iPod manager, not an iTunes manager. This program isn’t meant for you to just open it up and listen music from it like you would with iTunes. It’s specifically meant to manage the media that’s stored on your devices.

Also what I found, was that I had to run the program as an administrator (right click the icon and select “Run as Administrator”). This is most likely due to the fact that I’m running on a 64-bit machine. I didn’t like the UI (user interface) that much just because it seemed a bit out-dated (don’t let the UI reflect upon how the program performs). In the next version, I’d like to see a new UI, one that possibly resembles and works with Windows Aero theme that is present in both Vista and 7. Other than that, though, the program works just as advertised – fantastically, but be sure not to mistake it for an iTunes manager, it’s an iPod manager (two completely different things). You can download it for free from www.CopyTrans.net.

Marware SportShell Convertible Review

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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.