This Week In Accessories: 9 Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas For iPad, iPad mini Owners
by Brent Dirks
November 29, 2013
Welcome back, and happy Black Friday, at least here in the United States. While we looked at accessory gift ideas for iPhone owners last week, we’re focusing on the iPad and iPad mini today. Here are nine perfect holiday gift ideas for any Apple tablet user.
Even though the rumors of Apple finally introducing a companion keyboard for the iPad failed to materialize this year, there are still a number of high-quality options to select from. One of those is the Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case from Belkin. Made with lightweight aluminum, the case provides complete protection for the Air and also doubles as a typing stand.
I’ve been using the case for the past few weeks, and have really been impressed with the keyboard itself. The keys are well spaced and very responsive. It took maybe a few minutes to get used to the configuration, but after that I was off typing just like normal. There are also a number of handy iPad specific keys that make getting around even easier.
And unlike other keyboards, there’s no need for an on switch. After pairing the keyboard to the iPad, it will automatically turn on and off when needed. The battery offers 264 hours of active battery life and somewhere around 4,300 hours standby.
Available in a black, white, or silver version, the Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case can be purchased on Belkin’s site now for $129.
While there is no shortage of styluses made for drawing or other artistic pursuits, there has never really been a stylus designed specifically for writing. But that’s changed with the Jot Script Evernote Edition from Adonit.
Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the connected stylus works with pretty much any iPad drawing app, but it really shines with Evernote’s Penultimate. With a 1.9mm tip, the stylus features Pixelpoint technology for increased accuracy. All notes taken are then automatically saved into Evernote for searching later.
And with Penultimate’s new Zoom feature, the stylus and app react to each other. For example, as the Jot Script’s tip approaches the screen, the app can be set to automatically enlarge the writing space. To better mimic the feel of real handwriting, the "paper" also drifts along the screen while writing.
The Jot Script Evernote Edition stylus retails for $74.99 and can be purchased through either Adonit or Evernote. Unfortunately, shipping time is listed as between four and six weeks.
Since the iPad continues to grow more powerful with each generation, many people are leaving their MacBooks at home and just carrying around their iPads to work and for play. And instead of having to haul a huge bag made for a laptop, definitely take a look at the Agent 6 Sling from iSkin. As the name suggests, it can be worn across your body just like bigger bags. Able to easily fit an older iPad or iPad Air with or without a case, the sling also feature a detachable charger pouch, a d-ring for attaching keys, and a front pocket for an iPhone and other cables. A padded inner liner protects the tablet.
The sling, available in olive green or black, costs $59.99 and can be ordered directly from iSkin now. If the sling doesn’t interest you, the sleeve is also available in the same two colors and costs $34.99.
If you’re interested in a unique, folio-type case to protect the iPad Air, Pad and Quill’s Author Series is an excellent choice. Handmade in Minnesota with bookbindery cloth, the case is designed to look like an ordinary book. A wooden frame inside the case securely holds the tablet in place.
Offering access to all ports and buttons, the magnets inside the case activate the automatic on and off function.
Retailing for $89.99, buyers can select a number of color options for the outside, inside, spine, and elastic of the case. For an extra $5, Pad and Quill will also create an inner document pocket. The case is shipping now.
Even though it has been almost six months since I first reviewed G-Form's XTREME case for the iPad mini, it still remains one of my favorite protection options for the smaller tablet. With a lightweight and unique design, the iPad mini is held firmly in place with the protective elastic layer. Made with G-Form’s unique Reactive Protection Technology, the company claims the case can absorb a whopping 94 percent of all force generated from any type of fall or impact.
Available in four different color combinations, the XTREME can be purchased now from Amazon.com for $59.99. Even though I reviewed the case with the first-generation mini, the new iPad mini with Retina display should also fit with no issues.
After striking gold with its powerful and energy-saving thermostat, Nest recently unveiled another app-controlled device – the Nest Protect carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Taking the boring appliance into the 21st century, the detector connects directly to an app and can provide low battery alerts, emergency alarms, and other notifications.
The nice Heads Up feature will also offer an alert if smoke or CO levels are on the rise but haven’t risen to emergency levels.
Available in a black or white version, you can find the Nest Protect at the company’s site, or a number of other retailers like Best Buy, for $129. The fantastic companion app was also recently updated to support the detector and to bring a number of other new features.
While the Bluetooth speaker market has exploded, Sonos has always been looked upon as the leader in multi-room streaming products. But the high cost of entry has sometimes limited the appeal of the company’s products.
But then there's the recently unveiled Play:1.
Coming in at the same price tag as many high-end Bluetooth speaker options, music lovers can take advantage of the free, universal companion app and play pretty much anything imaginable, including Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio. And since the speaker uses a separate wireless mesh network, it can be placed anywhere in the house.
A sealed architecture helps resist humid conditions, including from a shower. The Play:1 weighs 4 pounds and measures 6.5 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide and deep.
The Play:1 can be found at a number of retailers and will set you back $199. Buyers before the end of 2013 will automatically receive a free bridge with their Play:1 purchase. There is a white or black version of the speaker to select from.
Qode Red
Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case for the iPad Air from Belkin, $129
Even though the rumors of Apple finally introducing a companion keyboard for the iPad failed to materialize this year, there are still a number of high-quality options to select from. One of those is the Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case from Belkin. Made with lightweight aluminum, the case provides complete protection for the Air and also doubles as a typing stand.
I’ve been using the case for the past few weeks, and have really been impressed with the keyboard itself. The keys are well spaced and very responsive. It took maybe a few minutes to get used to the configuration, but after that I was off typing just like normal. There are also a number of handy iPad specific keys that make getting around even easier.
And unlike other keyboards, there’s no need for an on switch. After pairing the keyboard to the iPad, it will automatically turn on and off when needed. The battery offers 264 hours of active battery life and somewhere around 4,300 hours standby.
Available in a black, white, or silver version, the Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case can be purchased on Belkin’s site now for $129.
Drive All Night
Anki DRIVE, $199.95
A Stylus Made for Writing
Jot Script Evernote Edition from Adonit, $74.99
While there is no shortage of styluses made for drawing or other artistic pursuits, there has never really been a stylus designed specifically for writing. But that’s changed with the Jot Script Evernote Edition from Adonit.
Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the connected stylus works with pretty much any iPad drawing app, but it really shines with Evernote’s Penultimate. With a 1.9mm tip, the stylus features Pixelpoint technology for increased accuracy. All notes taken are then automatically saved into Evernote for searching later.
And with Penultimate’s new Zoom feature, the stylus and app react to each other. For example, as the Jot Script’s tip approaches the screen, the app can be set to automatically enlarge the writing space. To better mimic the feel of real handwriting, the "paper" also drifts along the screen while writing.
The Jot Script Evernote Edition stylus retails for $74.99 and can be purchased through either Adonit or Evernote. Unfortunately, shipping time is listed as between four and six weeks.
I’ve Got An iPad Under My Sling
Agent 6 Sling from iSkin, $59.99
Since the iPad continues to grow more powerful with each generation, many people are leaving their MacBooks at home and just carrying around their iPads to work and for play. And instead of having to haul a huge bag made for a laptop, definitely take a look at the Agent 6 Sling from iSkin. As the name suggests, it can be worn across your body just like bigger bags. Able to easily fit an older iPad or iPad Air with or without a case, the sling also feature a detachable charger pouch, a d-ring for attaching keys, and a front pocket for an iPhone and other cables. A padded inner liner protects the tablet.
The sling, available in olive green or black, costs $59.99 and can be ordered directly from iSkin now. If the sling doesn’t interest you, the sleeve is also available in the same two colors and costs $34.99.
A Novel Way to Protect an iPad
Author Series Case for the iPad Air from Pad and Quill, $89.99
If you’re interested in a unique, folio-type case to protect the iPad Air, Pad and Quill’s Author Series is an excellent choice. Handmade in Minnesota with bookbindery cloth, the case is designed to look like an ordinary book. A wooden frame inside the case securely holds the tablet in place.
Offering access to all ports and buttons, the magnets inside the case activate the automatic on and off function.
Retailing for $89.99, buyers can select a number of color options for the outside, inside, spine, and elastic of the case. For an extra $5, Pad and Quill will also create an inner document pocket. The case is shipping now.
X Marks the Spot
G-Form XTREME iPad mini Case, $59.99
Even though it has been almost six months since I first reviewed G-Form's XTREME case for the iPad mini, it still remains one of my favorite protection options for the smaller tablet. With a lightweight and unique design, the iPad mini is held firmly in place with the protective elastic layer. Made with G-Form’s unique Reactive Protection Technology, the company claims the case can absorb a whopping 94 percent of all force generated from any type of fall or impact.
Available in four different color combinations, the XTREME can be purchased now from Amazon.com for $59.99. Even though I reviewed the case with the first-generation mini, the new iPad mini with Retina display should also fit with no issues.
Can the Chirp
Nest Protect, $129
After striking gold with its powerful and energy-saving thermostat, Nest recently unveiled another app-controlled device – the Nest Protect carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Taking the boring appliance into the 21st century, the detector connects directly to an app and can provide low battery alerts, emergency alarms, and other notifications.
The nice Heads Up feature will also offer an alert if smoke or CO levels are on the rise but haven’t risen to emergency levels.
Available in a black or white version, you can find the Nest Protect at the company’s site, or a number of other retailers like Best Buy, for $129. The fantastic companion app was also recently updated to support the detector and to bring a number of other new features.
Streaming Music Made Easy
Sonos Play:1, $199
While the Bluetooth speaker market has exploded, Sonos has always been looked upon as the leader in multi-room streaming products. But the high cost of entry has sometimes limited the appeal of the company’s products.
But then there's the recently unveiled Play:1.
Coming in at the same price tag as many high-end Bluetooth speaker options, music lovers can take advantage of the free, universal companion app and play pretty much anything imaginable, including Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio. And since the speaker uses a separate wireless mesh network, it can be placed anywhere in the house.
A sealed architecture helps resist humid conditions, including from a shower. The Play:1 weighs 4 pounds and measures 6.5 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide and deep.
The Play:1 can be found at a number of retailers and will set you back $199. Buyers before the end of 2013 will automatically receive a free bridge with their Play:1 purchase. There is a white or black version of the speaker to select from.
Give Your Keychain More Power
Kii from Bluelounge, $39.95
