The Gadget Blog » Cases

Nintendo DS Undergoes Transparent Makeover

Rico Mossesgeld — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:30:27 +0000

The (XCM Eye-Candy shell) the replacement shell for NDSi console is awesome. Unfortunately, it’s “coming soon”, so no definite price or availability info is available yet. In the meantime, enjoy the product photography below (click on the thumbnails for larger-size versions):

XCM also has accessories for other popular consoles, but this eye-candy shell seems to be made only for the DS Lite. At any rate, I’m sure cheaper versions have been available from China for quite a while now.

(Images courtesy XCM)

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Periscope Lighted Folio For Kindle 2

Rico Mossesgeld — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:56:15 +0000

One benefit of e-ink is the fact that shining a light on it is enough to make low-light reading possible. That’s a reality exploited by the Periscope Lighted Folio for Kindle 2, which is basically a folio (well, duh!) with space for a notepad, pens, a swiveling twin LED light, and of course, a Kindle 2. That’s all for $50.

The Periscope Lighted Folio also has space for 3 “AA” batteries, which—as claimed by maker Periscope—can power the LED light for 40 hours or more. Periscope also made sure to highlight its Folio’s magnetic lock feature, which allows the user to keep the folio folded onto itself, compacting the whole she-bang “to faciliate one-handed use”. Surely you can spend $50 more, after you’ve spent $360 on the Kindle 2 itself!

You can visit periscopelight.com for more info on where to buy.

(Image courtesy of Periscope)

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$44.50 Laptop Backpack Seems Better Than “Steal-Me!” Counterparts

Rico Mossesgeld — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:30:29 +0000

Yes, we’ve already shown that expensive cases like camera bags have their very affordable alternatives. Here’s something we found through Philippine affiliate Technograph.

Yes, this humble offering from Hawk features the usual padding and compartments that characterize its pricier counterparts, including a hanging pouch for a 13.3″ laptop and space for secondary gadgets like the iPod and the PSP. On top of that, this backpack also has a waterproof sheath, connected to the bag itself by a garterized strap, that tucks away into a zipperized compartment at the bottom when not needed. Definitely a plus for the commuter!

Another mass-transit-oriented amenity is the hidden compartment, just below where the backpack straps meet the top of the bag. There’s no quick and easy way to open this pouch while the bag is worn properly.

Looks like the third-world economic model of cheap labor and low cost of living have worked for Hawk, the manufacturer of said bag. Why can’t companies in developed countries emulate the same economics, at least at a scale lower than the current average set by flashy branding and marketing?

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Leather Cases for the Kindle 2

Rico Mossesgeld — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:30:12 +0000

I bet a common objection to the Kindle 2 (or any e-book reader for that matter) is the classy feel. Something about a well-bound book seems more traditional, weighty, and significant. Maybe that’s why these leather Kindle 2 covers (available from Amazon of course) could make up for the reader’s plastic-based existence. From vendors like Cole Haan, M-edge, and Amazon itself, here’s a sample listing:

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DRO Concepts’ Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G Case

Rico Mossesgeld — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:55:58 +0000

Introducing the Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G Case, a good buy in a world where spending $85 for a phone protector sounds sensible.

To be fair though, DRO Concepts promises that their product is made out of genuine carbon fiber, which of course implies strength and lightness. And like any well-designed case that somewhat justifies the price tag, the carbon fiber case is designed in such a way that still permits full access to the iPhone’s controls.

You can check out the product here. (image courtesy of DRO Concepts)

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Anuschka Laptop Organizer May be More Expensive Than Your Laptop

Rico Mossesgeld — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:00:03 +0000

Read on for some thoughts and info about the Anuschka Laptop Organizer.

What is it with gadgets and the need to make them into expensive objects of desire, even if that’s a practical impossibility in the world of consumer electronics?

Why would you want to place a laptop into a bag that’s potentially more expensive than the laptop itself? Said laptop case costs $509; $500 can get you a decent portable over at Dell.com, for instance.

How are you to use a hand-painted laptop bag? Won’t you end up crying when you scuff the expensive leather? This is less of a problem for women, admittedly.

Speaking of which, do we have any reliable stats on how many men—who’d probably go for more expensive and powerful laptops worthy of the protection promised by Anuschka—are into colorful bags?

That is all.

(Image from CIO.com)

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Homemade Bag Quietly Protects Your Expensive Camera

Rico Mossesgeld — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:00:40 +0000

If there’s a reason not to pay for brands like Crumpler, it’s how much attention their products can attract. That’s why this stealthy camera bag project on the Wired How-To Wiki is worth a look. Made out a surplus army bag and store-bought foam, making the nondescript but protective camera bag is a simple matter of cutting the foam to size and stuffing it into the canvas bag’s compartments. Expect to spend $30 at most, and a little of your time for this home crafting project.

Whether it’s bright colors, stylized appearance, or that distinctive logo, those gadget bags can broadcast your expensive toy’s existence to thieves. It’s conceivable that creative minds can adapt this project for laptops or gaming consoles. The point is to take the less boastful route, while keeping your hardware relatively safe and sound.

(image from the Wired How-To Wiki)

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Finally! A Compact Crumpler! Still Expensive Though…

Rico Mossesgeld — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:26 +0000

Once upon a time, I got duped into buying a Crumpler for my 15″ laptop (the somewhat appropriately named Dreadful Embarrassment). No doubt, a Crumpler is trendy, but my experience with them so far is all bulk and barely any function. It didn’t help that the aforementioned Dreadful Embarrassment has no padding: during a sudden auto stop, the bag flew from the seat, with my laptop bearing the brunt of the impact as everything landed on the floor.

In any case, maybe my stance on Crumplers can change, because the Gadgenista recently featured the Albert Crunch, a more compact-looking bag the seems to offer ample padding. Check out the rundown here, and worry with me about the $160 price tag!

Photo credit: Crumpler Bags

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Cover your iPod Shuffle in an… Apple

Rico Mossesgeld — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:52:09 +0000

A bit late on the uptake are we, but The Gadgenista recently featured the Applepod case for the iPod Shuffle:

Hahaha, a bit redundant but amusingly funny! I mean seriously, you just have to love what Apple fanboys come up with.

And can I just say I really love the rainbow colors? Hehehe. Look pretty cute as a buttoniere, too!

Each Applepod case is custom-made so you can actually pick the colors that you want. The case also has slots for the shuffle clip and for the headphones.

Got $12 to spend? Feeling a bit creative? Order and customization details available from here.

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