Review: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone

I have a tendency to be a bit long-winded in my reviews, so I am rather excited to be reviewing the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone, an accessory so simple, even I can’t go on too long (I think). The Juice Pack is essentially an extra battery pack for your iPhone which promises to drastically [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Review: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone", url: "http://macenstein.com/default/archives/1314" });

Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?

Like virtually all mobile computer manufacturers, Apple recommends that users calibrate their laptop batteries every few months, as Scott pointed out a couple of years ago. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Apple does not include a utility to automatically perform a calibration. Given Apple's uncanny ability to make things user-friendly, this seems like a bit of a glaring oversight. What are the benefits of calibration? Primarily the goal is to ensure that the microprocessor in your battery provides an accurate estimate of how much time you have left on the battery. Over time it can lose track of just how much juice your battery has in it, and calibration gives it a very accurate reading on the battery's health. Older battery technologies also benefited from a process called conditioning, which was typically performed the same way as a current battery's calibration process. In a nutshell, you fully charge the battery, fully discharge it, then fully charge it again. It's unclear whether modern lithium batteries gain anything in an actual capacity perspective from this process, or if it is simply a calibration of the microprocessor for the purpose of providing accurate time estimates.Continue reading Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: iSkin ProTouch keyboard protector

Section: Mac + Computers, Laptops, Peripherals, Keyboards, Features, Review Provides: Keyboard protection Developer: iSkin Minimum Requirements: MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or Apple Keyboard (wire or wireless) Retail Price: $29.99 to $34.99 Availability: Out now Sleek. Slim. Svelte. Apple’s wireless aluminum keyboard is razor thin, edgy, and perfectly balanced. Any addition to such a perfect package runs a serious risk of ruining this perfect image. It was with a degree of skepticism that I approached the iSkin ProTouch keyboard protectors, with visions of old public-library keyboards covered in a thick plastic shield harboring years of residue. To my pleasant surprise, iSkin has achieved wonders; the ProTouch keyboard perfectly compliments the Apple Wireless keyboard, adding both comfort and protection, while masking none of the traits that make this keyboard shine. The ProTouch cover is made from a smooth and pleasantly tactile silicone, with enhanced home key ridges and the added protection of Microban® antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of bacteria (something all too common on keyboards). As an added bonus, the ProTouch can be removed and handwashed with mild soap and water, so refreshing your keyboard is as simple as a quick trip to the sink! The ProTouch covers not only all 78 keys on the keyboard, but also the space between keys. This is especially helpful for those of us who eat, drink, and do other non-keyboard-safe activities; iSkin understands. While the ProTouch never got in the way of typing during the week long review, it does dampen the tactile feedback of the keyboard. True touch-typists who desire this feedback may be disappointed, though they would likely avoid the current generation Apple keyboards, which mimic their less-tactile laptop cousins. The ProTouch also deadens the sound that they keyboard makes, no matter how hard you type on the keyboard. With such miniature scissor switches, the Apple Wireless keyboard is not really all that noisy to begin with, but in a shared space such as an office, the reduced key sounds could be a distinct advantage. Don’t have the latest aluminum wireless keyboard? No problem! iSkin manufactures a range of ProTouch covers for both current and past versions of Apple wired/wireless keyboards, as well as the built-in keyboards of all current laptop models. Prices range from $29.99 for a translucent cover to $34.99 for a version with printed keys. The printed key version (see gallery images below) is great for users with visual impairments or hunt-and-peck typists, as the white-on-black lettering offers higher contrast than Apple’s grey-on-white silkscreening. The ProTouch covers even come in a variety of funky colors from clear (Arctic) to pink (Blush) to a groovy Kiwi Green. So, if aluminum just isn’t your thing, you can change it up a bit. On balance, I am calling the ProTouch keyboard cover a keeper. As a barrier against dirt, spills, and grime, I value the protection of my keyboard investment. And as an ardent germophobe, I love the quick washability! For long typing sessions where tactile feedback is important, I might pull the ProTouch off and get back in touch with the keys; luckily, this is as easy as lifting the cover off. After years of using iSkin cases for my iPods, I’ll be adding another iSkin cover to protect more of my Apple gear! Appletell Rating: Buy iSkin ProTouch Full Story » | Written by Aaron Kraus for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPod

If there's anything I've learned about the iPhone 3G since July 11th, it's that the battery life is horrible. If I'm just texting and making the occasional call, I can survive for a day, but if I try to play games or use 3G I know it's going to go to the dreaded red battery icon quickly.That's why there are a growing number of manufacturers who have extended battery packs for the iPhone on the market. For example, I looked at the Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger (US$49.99), but the website doesn't show that it works with the iPhone 3G. My next choice was the Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery. This US$49.95 lithium-ion battery pack has saved me from running out of juice prematurely more than once! Read on for more information about this must-have sidekick for the iPhone 3G.Continue reading TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPodRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: Time Capsule

Thanks to a timely software update, Apple's Time Capsule is an easy-to-use backup appliance that provides speedy wireless network access while keeping your data safe.

Exploring Time Capsule: Time Machine over the Network vs USB

Time Capsule is billed as an ideal backup target for Time Machine. At the same time, networked drives (and particularly wireless shares) are often slower than a directly connected USB backup drive. This segment, the fifth of six exploring Time Capsul...