AirePoint Turns the iPad into a Credit Card Terminal

AirePoint.jpgCan the Apple iPad do real work on-the-go? Just look at the newly launched Global Tek AirePoint card reader. This card-reading attachment is the first credit card reader attachment approved by Apple for use with the iPad. When paired with the ezPOS app, available in the iTunes Store, the AirePoint lets you complete secure authorized transactions in less than one minute.

The AirePoint actually works with any iOS device. Use it anywhere that you’ve got a Wi-Fi connection or cellular coverage. For a limited time, the ezPOS app is free with the purchase of an AirePoint. The company has taken care to not show the price of the AirePoint on the Web site or in the press release, so whatever the price is, it probably isn’t cheap. 

Apple Unveils the Magic Trackpad, Refreshes the iMac and Mac Pro Lineup

Magic TrackpadWhen the Apple Store went down this morning, it didn’t take long for people to speculate about what we would see when the store came back online. When it did come back, Apple had quietly unveiled a new product: the Magic Trackpad, a wireless, touch-sensitive aluminum and glass trackpad that responds to multi-touch gestures and can be paired with your Mac via Bluetooth. The Magic Trackpad works both in addition to a standard mouse and as a replacement for one, and is available now for $69 USD at the Apple Store.

Apple also updated the iMac and Mac Pro lineup, beefing up both desktop systems with new processors and graphics. The iMac saw its old Intel Core 2 Duo processors replaces with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors and discrete graphics from ATI. The new Core i3 iMacs start at $1199 and the Core i5 iMacs start at $1999, and the Core i7 is an upgrade option you can purchase at additional cost. The new Mac Pro is available with up to 12 cores in it thanks to Intel’s new 6-core server-class Xeon processors. Both new Macs are available with up to 512GB solid-state hard drives in them alongside or as replacements to standard physical hard drives.  

Finally, if you need a display for that new 12-core Mac Pro or a second display for your Core i5 iMac, Apple also released a 27-inch LED Cinema Display for $999 that includes a 3-port powered USB 2.0 hub, built-in iSight camera, built-in speakers and microphone, and even a MagSafe connector that allows you to charge your Macbook or Macbook Pro by plugging it into the display. Check out our full coverage of Apple’s new releases at PCMag.com

The Apple iPhone 4 Case Program: Get Your Free Bumper or Case

iPhone - Case ProgramiPhone 4 owners looking for a bumper or a case to fix the now-infamous “death grip” signal loss issue can get one on Apple’s dime (or qualify for a refund of the Apple bumper they already purchased) today thanks to the Apple iPhone 4 Case Program. Apple opened the doors on the program today; qualifying iPhone 4 owners will be able to sign up to receive an Apple bumper or a third-party iPhone 4 case for free.

To participate, all you have to do is download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the iTunes App Store and launch it once. Once the app validates you have an iPhone 4, the app will allow you to select from Apple’s approved bumpers and cases. The supported case selection is fairly modest, featuring designs from companies like Speck, Griffin, and Belkin. iPhone 4 owners who got their phones prior to July 23rd have to apply before August 22nd, and the program itself runs until September 30th for anyone looking to buy an iPhone 4 now.

Griffin and Chilewich Expand Collection

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Gadget-maker Griffin Technology and fabric designer Chilewich Sultan have already partnered on some attractive, tactile iPhone and iPod cases, and today they’re expanding that partnership with a new case. Called the Elan Form Chilewich for iPod Touch, it’s based on the existing iPhone 3GS case. You can find it in three colors: turquoise (shown), aluminum, and gravel.

The Elan Form Chilewich begins with an impact-resistant Griffin polycarbonate shell. Chilewich’s Mini Basketweave woven fabric shell is then wrapped around it, resulting in a case that’s both attractive and durable. Surprisingly for a fabric case, it’s easy to keep clean and will last the life of your player. You can order it at Griffin’s site for $39.99.

Waterfield Introduces Two New Apple Wireless Keyboard Cases

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Waterfield Designs has added two new cases for the Apple wireless keyboard. This should come as no surprise, considering the runaway success of the Apple iPad, which practically begs for Apple’s wireless keyboard when used as a productivity device.
The Keyboard Socket, available only in black, is very affordably priced at only $15. Weighing in at just one ounce, the pouch provides form-fitting protection for the keyboard when it is stowed inside a larger bag.
The Keyboard Slip Case (pictured above) is a lightly padded case with a ballistic nylon exterior. It weighs in at three ounces and is available in black with your choice of black, copper, flame, green, pearl, or pine trim for $29.99.
The two new cases join the existing lineup, which includes the more heavily padded Keyboard Sleeve ($39 or $42) made of neoprene and a water-resistant exterior shell. Those who need to carry a mouse and assorted accessory cables in addition to the Apple wireless keyboard should choose the Keyboard Travel Case ($49), which features multiple compartments and an exterior pocket. These two options are sold out until early August, but the company is accepting pre-orders now.

Griffin Adds Loop Stand, PowerBlock Plus, Elan Passport Nylon to iPad Lineup of Accessories

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Griffin Technology has added several new iPad accessories to the lineup available for Apple’s popular tablet computer.
The Loop ($29.99) is an elegant desktop stand that can hold the iPad in portrait or landscape mode. It works both at a high angle for use  as a digital photo frame or at a low angle for more comfortable onscreen typing. The Loop also has a cushioned cradle and rubber feet to protect both your iPad and your desk from scratches. It is available now at Apple retail stores.
The PowerBlock Plus ($34.99) is an AC wall charger that includes an extra outlet so that you can charge your iPad and another device (even another iPad) at the same time. That also means you won’t have to choose between your lamp or any other electrical device just because you’re running short of power outlets. It will be available from Best Buy in August. A $29.99 universal model of the PowerBlock Plus designed to work with any device that charges via USB is also available at the Griffin online store.
The Elan Passport Nylon ($49.99) is a portfolio-style case for the Apple iPad that features a microsuede lining and an inside pocket for business cards and papers. A tab on the front securely closes the case when you’re on the go. It is available now at the Griffin online store, or you can purchase it from Wal-Mart next month.
Also new to the line is the 3-meter USB to Dock Cable ($29.99) which is now available at Apple retail stores. At almost ten feet long, it will easily bridge the gap between the power outlet and the table you want to put your iPad on when you’re charging it up.

Apple Live Blog: The iPhone 4 Press Conference

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Well, we know there’s going to be a press conference tomorrow in Cupertino. And we know that PCMag’s news editor Mark Hachman is attending. Beyond that, your guess is as good as ours. But there’s not much doubt that the company will address the “death grip” issue with the iPhone 4. Will they offer rebates? (5 percent of you think so.) Free “bumper” cases? (37 percent of our readers believe that will happen.) Will a recall be announced? (Only 7 percent go for that scenario.) Will Apple explain exactly how iOS 4 resolves the bar issue? (Whoa–37 percent think that will happen.) Will Steve Jobs say, “Ur doin it rong!” and demonstrate the proper way to hold the phone? (OK, we didn’t ask that question in our poll.)

Join us for a live blog and find out what it’s all about when we do, tomorrow at 1 PM Eastern time, 10 AM Pacific.

Update: So now we know. Even though Steve thinks there’s really no problem, Apple’s offering free (Apple-only!) bumpers as well as rebates for those who already bought them and full refunds for the iPhone 4, if you don’t want to keep it. Our news story on PCMag.com has all the details.

Check out our full transcript of the press conference after the jump!

Speck Cases Turn an iPod Touch into a Work of Art

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Why should iPhones get all the cool cases? Speck is offering two fitted ArtsProjekt cases for the iPhone Touch.

In case you’ve never heard of the creatively spelled group, ArtsProjekt is a global platform featuring products designed by high-profile independent artists, designers, and brands. It’s meant to merge cutting-edge art with made-to-order products. It’s also a unit of Zazzle.com.

The two new designs are printed on fabric and then fused to a Speck hard-shell Fitted case. The design shown here is called “Mother Nature.” The other design is called “The Vamp” (or the “Red Ribbon,” as it’s listed on the press release) and has a more of a dreamy goth look.

Both cases are limited edition and sell for $39.95. You’ll find them exclusively at Apple Stores.

What Will Apple Announce at Tomorrows iPhone 4 Press Conference?

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We discovered just yesterday that Apple would be holding a press conference tomorrow, Friday, July 16th, at its Cupertino headquarters. The conference is said to be centered on the iPhone 4. As you have no doubt heard, Apple has been somewhat beleaguered lately
because of the so-called “death grip”
antenna problem
with the newest iPhone.

What more do we know for sure? Not much. But of course, that stops no one from speculating as to what the company might discuss.

Lance Ulanoff, PCMag’s editor-in-chief, is taking a poll to find out what our readers think might happen tomorrow–and we want you to weigh in, here. Feel free to leave speculative comments below, as well!

Hayao Miyazaki Calls the iPad Disgusting

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Hayao Miyazaki is an animation genius–some (many, really) would no doubt argue that he is the animation genius of his generation, the guiding force behind such films as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away.

He is, however, not much of a technology enthusiast. Mizaki doesn’t own a computer or a fax machine or a DVD player. He also rarely watches television. And as for an iPad, forget about it.

Speaking with Neppuu magazine, the animator had some less than complementary things to say about Apple’s wildly popular tablet–which he referred to as a “game machine-type thing.” He told the reporter, “For me, there is no feeling of admiration or no excitement whatsoever,” going on to call the device “disgusting.”

He also went on to compare the swipe gestures used to control the device to–well, let’s just say it’s something that teenagers tend to do…a lot…when they’re alone. Um, we’ll let Gizmodo take it from here.