Fourth generation iPad review

The fourth generation iPad has been out for about two months now, with a new iPad possibly on it’s way in the spring. I’ve been using the new iPad for a few weeks now, and my experiences with it have been positive to say the least. I chose to get the iPad not because it was popular, but because I liked what I seen. The performance that it delivered in store was much better than the performance of my last tablet, a Motorola Xoom; the online reviews of the iPad were overall, quite positive, and the app support was much better than what any Android tablet could deliver at the time of me writing this. I thought about the Microsoft Surface, but apps and performance made me think twice about that option. Although it does look like a nice tablet, Windows RT, poor app support, and performance issues made me decide against that tablet. I thought the decision through, and eventually decided that the iPad would probably be the best tablet for me. 

Once I got the iPad home, and got it out of the box, the setup process was pretty simple. I applaud Apple on the simple setup process, and simple UI throughout all of iOS. I made it through the setup process in less than five minutes, and then it was ready to use, and test.

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Case-Mate Tough Case for Samsung Galaxy SIII Review

The Case-Mate Tough Case with its signature two piece hybrid design has been a staple amongst gadget-lovers everywhere for a while now, so it's only natural that Case-Mate bring the case to the Samsung Galaxy S3. So, the question is, is it actually good?

In the box you will receive just the case. No accessories. Considering the price of this, what many would call 'premium', case it would have been nice for the to drop in a screen protector or two.

The case it self is composed of a two pieces: a soft silicone interior layer and a hard rubberised polycarbonate layer that surrounds it. The silicone layer is soft and flexible, making it perfect to absorb shock should you drop your device. The silicone layer also handily covers up the power and volume buttons, adding another element of protection. The hardened polycarbonate layer is rigid and covered in a very 'grippy' texture. As this is the outer layer of the case, it is safe to say that with the case applied, it shouldn't be sliding around your hand much. Both parts of the case have cutouts for the earphone jack, micro-USB connector, microphone, camera and speaker. 

On it's own the case is great, but when it comes to putting it on to your phone it's a different story. The silicone layer is easy enough to slip on, but getting that hard plastic layer to surround it whilst still making sure that all connectors and ports are aligned properly is extremely difficult. Not only does it require an unholy amount of strength to physically pull the hard plastic over the silicone covers of the volume rocker and power button, but aligning them to make sure you have full access to said buttons is just downright tedious. Furthermore, whilst applying I found that my power button was continually being unintentionally pressed, causing a boot loop to occur every time I tried to put this case on. 

Once on, however, the case is brilliant. It hugs the phone nicely, but at the same time feels good to hold in the hand thanks to its curvature and grippy texture on the outside. Furthermore, once aligned, all ports are brilliantly protected and easy to access. The case's 'lip' extends protrudes fairly far out from the display meaning should you put the device face down at any point, there is a decent amount of space between your device's massive display and the surface you are resting it on. This in turn means a decrease in the likelihood of scratching, a big plus considering how beautiful the display on the S3 is. I also do like how the case creates a black frame around the perimeter of the device. It nicely encapsulates the phone and provides a nice bezel when watching videos on the device. The case adds bulk to the device, but not to the extent of making it feel unwieldy. In my opinion, it adds just the right amount to make it nice to hold. The case is also not too heavy, but still adds more of a premium feel to the case it self and the phone. 

Overall, a very solid case for any Galaxy S3 owner despite gripes about application and the lack of accessories. If you're not going to be taking this case off too often, then you can disregard the former caveat. 

You can check out a plethora of iPhone 5 accessories, as well as purchase this case over here. 

Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 5 Review

The Otterbox Commuter has been a staple amongst iDevice owners for years now, providing arguably the best hybrid protection (that's a hard plastic and silicone layer) for your shiny iDevices. So how does the latest iteration of this immensely popular case stack up against the older generations, and competing cases?

Inside the box you will receive the case it self along with a screen protector, microfibre and squeegee. The screen protector is of very high quality, as one has come to expect with Otterbox products, and can be applied without much hassle. It provides coverage for the screen in its entirety as well as most of the coloured section above and below the display of the device.

Upon first glance of the new Commuter, you will notice that its design hasn't changed all that much from previous generations. The case is still comprised of a hard polycarbonate plastic on the outside, as well as a silicone layer on the inside. I did notice that Otterbox have beefed up the rigidity of both the plastic and the silicone layer, meaning they're not as flexible as before, but they do remain as one case even better.

One of my biggest complaints with previous Commuters was always that they were a bother to apply. However, thanks to the new, stiffer quality of rubber and plastic used on the case, application is actually much easier. The silicone layer slips on easily, and the hard plastic layer wraps around that, leaving access to all ports and connectors in tact (all of which are protected by silicone flaps that prevent dust clogging up in them). There is also a large circular cutout for the Apple logo at the back of the device, as well as one for the camera and LED flash. Due to the size and shape of said cutout, camera images with flash come out as they should, and are not affected by the black shroud that sometimes appear on images when other cases are used on the devices.

Once applied, the most noticeable feature is the enlarged lip of the case. It protrudes outwards far more than before and may be a tad annoying to some, although it does serve a good purpose. The larger lips means that when the device is face down, there is even more distance between the surface of the display (protected by the screen protector) and the surface the phone is on. This means better protection against scratches.

Aesthetically the black version of the case naturally looks sleek, sophisticated and discrete. However, if you do fancy something slightly more flamboyant, you can also pickup the case in Night Sky as well as a plethora of other iPhone 5 covers.

The case adds a bit of bulk to the device, but still manages to feel comfortable in the hands. The materials are heavy, but not too heavy, thereby retaining the premium feel of the iPhone 5, as well as giving you solid protection. The silicone layer will absorb shock impact whilst the plastic layer will provide protection against superficial damage like scratches. Thanks to the fact that the plastic layer is on the outside rather than inside, sliding this case in an out of your jeans pocket is extremely easy. Unlike other cases, the button protectors still allow easy to access to all the buttons on the iPhone 5 without having to push down overly hard. 

All in all the Otterbox Commuter is a solid update the series of cases and perfect for anything looking for good all round protection for day-to-day usage, all encompassed in a nice design.

The Otterbox Commuter retails for an RRP of £29.95 GBP at MobileFun in multiple colours. You can also check out their extensive range of other iPhone 5 covers too.

The Dark Knight Rises Review

Let's be really short and concise. It's a truly amazing movie and a fitting tribute to the spectacular trilogy. You won't regret watching it. 

Bamboo Bottle Review

I always like to keep water at my desk when I am working online, but one thing that really bothers me is not having water that taste fresh. Most all bottles will of course hold your water in them, but will they keep your water at a cool refreshing temperature? The Bamboo Bottle by the Bamboo Bottle Company looks great, is easy to clean, and keeps your water or beverage fresh for a very long time.