I received a batch of cases today, and other than a case that I already had one of, and had previously reviewed, this one was by far my favorite. Part of that is probably because I am a big fan of flip cases, part of it is due to the functionality of the case.
This case was kind of cool, mainly because of the grid-shaped bumpy texture on the back side of it. But it was also functional; it protected all the edges with only a hole for the dock connector and headphones.
In a little over ten days, you’ll be able to download the first public release of the SIP-VoIP software for the iPod Touch, giving access to any SIP-compliant internet telephony provider. If you’re stuck for something to do until the New Year, there’s always the instructions for building your own microphone attachment; we’ve covered the parts list before, but now there’s a handy pictorial guide (part 1 & part 2) to building your own.
If you’ve been keeping up with the VoIP and audio-recording developments for the iPod Touch, you might be wondering how to get your hands on a microphone-blessed adaptor. The original plan was that those interested would send the widget’s creators the necessary parts (and perhaps a small beer donation) and have their completed microphone posted back; unfortunately it looks like demand far exceeded their supply potential and so plan B has been hatched: making the schematic and parts-list available so that you can build your own.
Lost the stand that came with the iPod Touch? Do you want to make a stand for the iPod for viewing movies on the go? Well now it is possible with a hundred dollar bill and some paper folding skills.
The following is a conversation between Gizmodo and the creator.
Gizmodo: Hey Enrique, how did the idea come about?
Enrique Pardo: I made the stand because I had thrown away the little plastic stand that came with my iPod touch. I was taking the train to Paris and spent 3 hours thinking of how I could make my iPod stand to watch a movie.”
G: Euros or dollars?
EP: My first stand “cost” 20 euro in fact.
G: So why did you make one using a $100 bill rather than a $1 bill? EP: I made the video with a $100 bill just as a joke to say: here’s what to do with your $100 Apple rebate for the iPhone—that doesn’t come with a stand!
G: And finally, what denomination would you use to make a Zune stand? EP: Concerning the Zune, I have never held one so I can’t tell you if this stand would work but if ever I had the chance I’d try to tweak the origami to make a Zune version—why not?
G: Thanks for your time Enrique
For instructions on how to do this, click here for the youtube video. This can also be done with any type of bill but the higher the bill the more of a “Wow” factor.
The $100 iPhone/iPod Touch Stand Made from a Piece of Paper
[Via Gizmodo]
Although it must be difficult thinking of a unique selling-point for a gadget case (unless you’re Otterbox, in which case you just invite reviewers to pretty much batter your product), it’s conversely the very simple concepts that can make or break a product. Maximising the use of every aspect is one such way, and it’s that which PRIE have done with their new TouchStand case for the iPod Touch. What’s clever is that while the big clip on the rear of the case is ideal for hooking it onto your waistband or bag, it also has a clever flip-up bar that instantly turns the whole thing into a desk stand.
Looking somewhat more refined than the earlier proof-of-concept, Marian’s microphone and preamp for the iPod Touch - which plugs straight into the PMP via a hacked dock connector - is now available to buy for a mere $45 (or €30). Development on the project continues apace, with the latest focus on the communication between the Touch and the microphone widget to try to get the gain boosted automatically. With that achieved, Erica’s VNotes application (as shown complete with microphone attachment in the video after the cut) should be even more useful.
So I got this case kind of late last night, so I chose to play with it for a while before reviewing it. You’re probably wondering how you “play” with an iPod Case, well I had my methods, but they claim its “waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof” and I can personally assure to that all of those are true, that’s how you play with an iPod case.When I got it, I looked it over, figured out how to put my iPod in, and then closed it up, from there, every time I would have normally placed my iPod somewhere; I threw it there, which was so much fun. Then I took it in the bath with me and threw some (a lot) water on it, none got inside, but I didn’t feel like submerging it because I though that might be pushing it, and they may have sent me the case to try out, but I had to supply my own iPod which I don’t feel like ruining.
They have a rubber, sealed button that works with the “home” button, or the little round button at the bottom of the screen, it works flawlessly. The touchscreen is covered by a rugged transparent material that has survived my beating, and I can still use the touchscreen through this material, in fact, I’d go so far as to say my typing has improved, likely due to the lack of slipping fingers onto other keys.
You may be top of the class with your iPod Touch, lording it over all the no-name alternatives out there, but if the battery dies then you’re left with a slender slab of Apple-branded uselessness. So if you’ve a habit of pushing things as far as recharging goes, you may be pleased to hear that Mophie are bringing out a combination iPod Touch case and external battery called the Juice Pack in January 2008.
Earlier in the month we looked at hacking together a basic microphone input for the iPod Touch; now, arch modder Marian has gone one stage further and crafted a microphone pre-amp for the PMP that fits inside a standard iPod dock connector. Right now he’s bypassed surface-mount or printed circuit boards and merely soldered components directly to each other, but the hope is that a small SMD board could be developed leaving space to move the microphone inside the casing.
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