By Andrew Liszewski

In my opinion the iPad isn’t quite the ‘magical’ or ‘revolutionary product’ that Apple claims it is. But while I continue to look for a killer app that justifies me carrying it with me wherever I go, I have come to one conclusion about it. A protective case is an absolute must-have accessory. You see the iPad is in essence a laptop computer minus the physical keyboard bit. Which means it can’t be closed when not in use. Which also means the screen is always exposed, just waiting for that day when an errant set of keys or a loose bit of change ends up scratching it while it’s stashed in your bag.

So like so many times in the past, the first place I turn when I need a case that I know will protect my electronic investment is WaterField Designs. Not only do their products look good, but they understand that to some people even the tiniest of scratches is the equivalent to a shattered screen. So their cases are designed to provide sufficient protection while your gear is in transit, while carefully balancing the issue of bulk. Thankfully the company announced a line of iPad cases before the device was even available to the public, and you can find my hands-on look at two of them, the Slip Case and the Suede Jacket, after the jump.

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By Andrew Liszewski

It was announced, and has been available in the U.S. since last Fall, but the second generation of the Flip MinoHD will soon be available for all of us north of the U.S. border. (By mid-July for $239.) When compared to the original MinoHD the second generation model has a slightly thinner, considerably more rounded body with an aluminum housing featuring a brushed metal finish. Overall it’s a bit sleeker than the previous model, but is far more pocket-friendly and compact than the Flip UltraHD we reviewed last year. And if brushed metal isn’t your thing (what’s wrong with you?) you can order a customized version from the Flip website instead.

But the real improvements of the second generation MinoHD include a bump to 8GB of memory, twice that of the original model allowing you to record up to 2 hours of 720P ‘HD’ video, a mini-HDMI port on the bottom and a screen that’s now 2 inches in size compared to the 1.5 inches of its predecessor. That might not seem like a lot, but having played with it for a while, it’s actually a big improvement. Video quality is pretty much on-par with the previous model and the UltraHD, same sensor and all, and while some people have commented that its touch buttons don’t provide a lot of tactile feedback (there’s still a physical record button) I actually like that they’re easy to keep clean.

If you’re in the market for a compact camcorder the Flip line still remains at the top of the list when it comes to being easy-to-use, making them an ideal gift for the less than techno savvy. However, the lack of pretty much any options when it comes to video quality or shooting (it really only has a digital zoom) and the fact that certain reception-issue-plagued smartphones have already caught up and surpassed the Flips when it comes to functionality will hopefully see Cisco expanding the line and the camera’s capabilities in the very near future. You don’t think they bought Linksys and Flip for nothing did you?

[ Flip MinoHD ]

By Andrew Liszewski

This isn’t the first GPS device we’ve brought you designed for golfers, but the fact that the Expresso can also be used in your car as your standard navigational unit makes it considerably more versatile and easier to justify. On the golf side of things the unit licenses the iGolf software providing users access to their database of over 32,500 courses worldwide, or you can map your own course if your local greens aren’t listed. The software also lets you keep track of the score and stats of each round, and since the unit is water resistant, you shouldn’t have to worry about a little rain dampening your fun.

On the automotive side of things, the Expresso once again goes the licensing route with Navigon’s software and NAVTEQ’s map database. So you get everything from 2D or 3D map views depending on your preference, ZAGAT rated points of interest, multiple destination routing, lane assistance so you know where to be when exiting or merging on highways, and pretty much everything else offered by the Navigon software.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. With its 480×320 resolution display and SD card slot, the Expresso also serves as a half-decent media player while on the road and even though supported file formats aren’t specified on their site, it’s safe to assume that it at least handles the all-important DIVX format. I’ll also point out that the Expresso has a clever articulated screen design as you can see in the product shots, so you can use it sitting on the dashboard or with a windshield suction cup mount. And when unfolded you can even place it in one of your vehicle’s (car or golf cart) cup holders since a pair of pop-out spring-loaded stability wings will ensure a proper fit no matter how large it is. The only thing that’s missing is pricing and availability info.

[ Expresso GPS ] VIA [ I4U News ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While this chesterfield sofa might look like it’s made from a bland gray leather, believe it or not it’s actually made from concrete. It was created by a UK-based company called Gray Concrete, appropriately enough, for the 100% Design exhibition in London, and the incredible amount of detail in it was captured using the company’s special molding techniques. Not only does it look like it’s made from actual leather, but they went the extra mile by ensuring the cushions have ‘bum prints’ and you’ll even find a concrete fifty pence coin stuck behind one of them. Now obviously the piece was created to show just how versatile concrete can be, but I think you could really class up a city by replacing its traditional park benches with durable, concrete reproductions of famous pieces of furniture.

[ Design Milk - Concrete Chesterfield Sofa by Gray Concrete ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Looks like you office photocopy abusers are going to have to find an alternative way to get the word out about your garage sale or lost dog, if you live and work in Japan at least. While security codes or access cards can be easily shared around the office, Canon Japan’s new fingerprint authentication system, developed by Hitachi, means those with photocopier privileges will actually have to be at the machine in order for it to work. The option will be available on Canon’s imageRUNNER ADVANCE line of multi-function printers which can run MEAP (a Java J2ME-based development platform) applications and will be available starting July 8 for around $1,460. (128,000 yen)

[ PR - Canon Japan - Fingerprint Authentication Software for MEAP Advance ] VIA [ Akihabara News ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Last year we told you that USAA was allowing some customers to deposit checks via their iPhone. This was a really awesome idea that would surely catch on quickly with other banks. After nearly 11 months, Chase is now only the second bank to offer such a service. However, since they are a much larger bank, others will no doubt feel pressured to release their own apps.

The app is simply an update to their existing iPhone app. To scan a check, you need only select the appropriate menu item, and take pics of the front and back of the check. Enter the amount, and you’re on your way. The only thing easier than using this app is not using checks at all. Seriously, these things need to die. Oh, and if you’re one of those people that still writes checks at the grocery store, stop that. You’re holding up the line.

[ Chase ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Andrew Liszewski

What’s the first thing you do when someone gives you a promotional run-of-the-mill flash drive? You check the capacity to see if it’s big enough to be a keeper, or a future giveaway. But this Voltron Nekobot flash drive from INCUBOT Productions could be packing a measly 32MB and I’d still carry it everywhere. Thankfully it packs a usable, though not overly impressive, 2GB of storage which is accessible once Voltron’s been split apart at the waist. Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet, but a limited edition ThinkGeek-only Nekobot flash drive currently sells there for $39.99.

[ Voltron Nekobot Flash Drive ] VIA [ Plastic and Plush ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While it’s not the easiest thing to pack, the Sand-Printer could be an essential tool to bring along on your next trip should you somehow end up stranded on a deserted island. Instead of spelling out messages like ‘HELP’ or ‘NEED RESCUE’ or even ‘WOW! THIS MYSTERIOUS ISLAND SHOULD PROVIDE SIX SEASONS OF CONFUSION’ with rocks and branches, you can simply roll along the beach like a giant hamster in a giant wheel, leaving behind your message for rescue planes to read. Created by Spanish design consultancy Zanadesign (who should have their flash license revoked) the Sand-Printer is also supposed to re-educate the people of Spain, at least those on the beach, about the importance of the country’s Constitution of 1812.

[ rebel:art - Zanadesign: “Sand-Printer” ] VIA [ PSFK ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While North Americans rely on vending machines mostly for beverage distribution, in Japan it seems you can get almost anything from them, including fresh bananas now thanks to Dole’s new machine which is installed in an underground connection at the Shibuya subway station. Apparently the vending machine sold out on its first day, which is kind of vital since once those bananas start to brown I don’t think anyone will be that interested in opting for the healthy snack option. Particularly when a single banana is about $1.50 (130 yen) and a bunch of five or six is almost $4.50. (390 yen)

[ Japan Trends - Banana Vending Machine feeds hungry subway passengers ] VIA [ Newlaunches ]