SwitchEasy Canvas for the iPad 2

I feel it is now important to update the status of my marriage with every blog.  Or after every MasterCard statement at least.  I somehow went from lauding $50 cases to purchasing one, I'm not sure how it happened, actually wait, I know exactly how it happened.  I blame 'Aeolian' from 'RedFlagDeals' for me buying this.  He covertly linked to their website and even showed us YouTube videos of this case.  I have to admit curiosity got the better of me.  This is what I found, I'll start with its super fast shipping!

     So I went to www.switcheasy.com and went through the ordering process.  I was a bit dismayed at first about a $15 shipping charge, however the product came to me in 2 Days!  That's right, 2 days is what it took to get to me from click to front door.  It's being reported across the board that everyone is receiving their orders in that time frame, so its not an anomaly.  The FedEx tracking was unbelievably smooth and accurate and it actually felt as though I knew where my package was at all times. The whole shipping process couldn't have gone any smoother especially since it took me 3 weeks to receive another brand I had ordered from eBay!

     So, after opening the package, and examining the contents, I find that it does indeed come with a free screen protector for the iPad 2.  I won't be installing this as I have a Full Body Invisible Shield by Zagg on one iPad 2 and a generic screen protector on another to see how a $10 'dry install' works vs a $50 'wet install.'

Edit 1: The separate screen that SwitchEasy sells on their website for $14.99 is the same one that they give you for free with the Canvas. (or incorporated in the price depending on how you view it)
Edit 2: We were able to fit the iPad 2 with the Zagg Full Body Invisible Shield, we did cut a small portion off the Invisible Shield where the volume button is, in order for the iPad 2 to 'click in' and sit properly in the Canvas. About a 1cm portion. It is a tight fit but it works!

     Originally I thought the small package that came with it was a squeegee but its actually plugs for the microphone port and the power port.  This is a fantastic addition especially for those who take their iPad 2's to work or in dusty environments.  In my opinion it was a very well thought out idea and I am hoping that Apple incorporates this in future designs of their own.

     Placing the iPad 2 into the 'bucket' is very easy, the instructions, (yes I viewed them) suggest that you lean and place the left of the iPad 2 in first and then snap or depress the right side.  I find that if you raise the case and look at it at eye level you can tell if you have been successful at installation.  If you can see the aluminum trim it has to go down a bit further.  Overall, it was a very easy process that only took 10 seconds.  2 to snap it in and 8 seconds to make sure it was down.  Any more and I suggest you never buy anything with moving parts ever!

Another major distinction this case has, and it makes sense now why they call it a 'canvas' is its three stand positions.  At position 1 (the one furthest away) it actually works as the typing mode, and as a 'Smart Cover' owner, let me tell you that the SwitchEasy method is much more ergonomically correct (to me anyways) and feels more natural.  It also doesn't involve turning or flipping the iPad 2 and the best part is, that no part of your iPad 2 is touching the desk or ground.  It stays within the confines of the case at all times.  I really appreciated this aspect as the 'Smart Cover' was scratching my desk! (the magnetic hinge in viewing mode).

Some people say that the first picture is how the typing mode should be, and it might be but I prefer my method as illustrated in the second and third picture below!

 The picture above correlates to the picture below for typing mode. The other two are viewing modes but the website lists all three as viewing modes and the first picture in this series as the typing mode, both work and its up to you which method you will eventually use!

     My thoughts are that this case does exactly what every iPad 2 owner who wants a porfolio style wants it to do.  The designers of the 'Smart Cover' at Apple are probably looking over their shoulders to make sure Steve Jobs doesn't fire them and hire the people who made the SwitchEasy Canvas. (or they will just sue, lol)  I will admit that the iPad 2 does gain about 2-3x (feels like) its weight in this canvas, but for the added protection it brings, my opinion it is worth it.  I love you all very much and thank you for coming to my blog, but I'm not going to do a drop test!  My fear is that when working on the iPad 2 and accidently dropping it, will the iPad stay in?  It feels like it is sitting very securely but until (if) it happens, we won't know for sure. While closed, I have no doubt this is one of the best cases out there based on design and can absorb many shocks that may occur while traveling, transporting, and even in the care of small children or clumsy adults.  Maybe someone can report back to me if they were to drop it while they were using it and what occurs! It also works well with the auto sleep on/off function, I tested it very diligently and made sure that while open the iPad 2 won't go to sleep when you don't want it to, unlike reports of some other cases out there that have this feature.

 If you are looking for a portfolio (bookcase) style, that incorporates the sleep on/off feature, typing and viewing stands, superior protection, and a very sleek look and feel, I would be remiss in telling you not to get the SwitchEasy Canvas.  Although I am a great fan in saving money, this is something I can truly recommend spending $49.99 U.S plus $14.99 shipping for.  I am so impressed with this case, that I will even go as far as saying that all previous cases I have reviewed are null and void when compared to the SwitchEasy Canvas.

Now if I can only get my money back for them and save a lecture from my wife, maybe if I return them and put a sticky on it saying, "Wife says No".  But I'm going to guess that only works once...

Update as of April 18th, 2011:  I have been experiencing an issue on the second Canvas that I purchased, right from the start the Velcro at the back isn't working as it should. It is not even able to carry its own weight and comes apart when you don't want it to.  This is nothing short of a Quality Control issue and has been experienced by another user who received his SwitchEasy Canvas today.  I've emailed customer support and they have asked me for pictures of the problem.  Will report back once I have a resolution to the issue!

Update as of April 22nd, 2011: I have received an email from SwitchEasy support saying they have sent out a replacement Canvas.  Tomorrow is a holiday so I expect shipment to come on Monday.  Fantastic quick response.  Will post a final update once the replacement is in!
Update as of April 26th, 2011: I have received the replacement from SwitchEasy!  Fantastic customer support, although I have to report it has the same issue.  I will be making a YouTube video to highlight the error and why it shouldn't make a difference when using the case.  It may be time for a Do it Yourself Velcro fix.


YouTube Velcro Issue Explained

Switch Easy Canvas Unboxing Video 

Invisible Shield by Zagg for iPad 2 Install and Review!

So my Zagg Invisible Shield came in yesterday and a friend and I began the install process.  This process seems very daunting at first, but with a little luck and a positive attitude, I am confident that most anyone can make this happen!

     First it is very important to work in a dust free environment and ensure you have all the proper tools.  Begin by turning your iPad 2 off. (Holding down the power button)  I prefer for the install to clean the screen and back with rubbing alcohol.  Be sure to apply it to a microfiber cloth or paper towel and use a very limited amount, using the rubbing alcohol cleans the screen very well and if required use some dust remover (air can) to get any fine particles that may linger.  With this shield it doesn’t matter if you start the application process at the front or back, its your personal preference but I will recommend doing the back first to get some practice in, (if you buy the full body shield) as you can afford to ‘practice’ on the back so you can get the front perfect, but realistically it should all come out very well. 

     It goes without saying that your hands should be washed and clean.  From there you take the solution that comes in the box and spray some on your fingertips liberally.  Begin to peel and spray the shield once again very liberally; it’s basically to the point where you think it may be too much that you will be just fine.  Initially my intent was to under spray it but watching a few YouTube videos quickly convinced me otherwise.  It takes a bit to get the holes centered during this process but keep at it, it does work. Once you are satisfied with the position, use the provided squeegee and begin to systematically remove the excess solution from both the bottom and top of the screen to the best of your ability.  In the end you will be left with what seems to be a lot of solution and a lot of air bubbles, but between 24-48 hours, these will work themselves out and you should be left with perfection.  We saw a huge difference in the curing of the screen in about 6 hours.  But there is a long way to go. 

     At the start as you can see it the pictures and in the YouTube video, it seemed like we had made an error in the install, and that there were too many bubbles left over.  This ‘wet installation’ process as how it is known is intended to be this way and after 48 hours (what they suggest it will take) I will update the blog with how the final product looks.   At this point I believe it is too early to tell if it is worth the ~$60 dollar investment (with shipping to Canada).  I am also aware that over time there is a report that the edges tint to orange, I will also keep an eye out on that.  For comparison purposes I have also installed a $10 shield on another iPad 2 that uses the ‘dry application’ process.  In the sense you clean your iPad stick it on and work the bubbles out.  What you see is what you get. This way I can have a comparison between the two and see how a $10 shield goes up against a $50 shield. 

FYI: There are a lot of YouTube videos on this install I watched them all and found this one to be the best one that should answer all your questions during the install and give you the best chances at doing it right. I have no affiliation with Zagg (I bought the shield with my own money) and no affiliation with the YouTuber and Blogger in the Video below.

UPDATE:  Here's a couple pictures after 48 hours. I have to admit, it feels and looks amazing.  Those who don't know I have the Invisible Shield on, ask me why I haven't put one on yet.  Judge for yourself!

Update as of April 26th, 2011:  There are a lot of you searching to check if the Invisible Shield can be used with the Smart Cover and the SwitchEasy Canvas.  There is no issue in using the full body Invisible Shield with either, however with the Canvas, you may have to make a small cut near the volume button at the back in order to get it to sit right. (a 1cm cut)

Eye-Fi X2 SD WiFi 8GB Card... Instant Uploads!

Now who doesn’t want this!  Directly transfer your pictures from your camera straight on to your iPad 2.  There is some tinkering involved, but it does what it says, and the 8GB card is $79.99.  It’s in U.S dollars so it should be less when it comes to Canada.  (Okay bad joke, but a guy can dream can’t he?)  It also advertises support other iDevices and even Android.  Here’s their website and a YouTube video on how they do it. http://www.eye.fi/blog/new-eye-fi-mobile-x2-and-instant-uploads

Covers continued... Vaja and Hermes

Want your mind blown away?  How about a cover that costs more then your iPad 2?  (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20045915-1.html)

     I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the Hermes case for the iPad 1 and the Vaja iPad 1 case as well! As you can imagine, they feel and look amazing! The good news for Vaja owners is that minus a camera hole at the back; your Vaja will fit your iPad 2.  Unfortunately, your Hermes case will not.  I’ve tried a few different angles and even tried to stuff something in the gap.  It just won’t happen.  I guess its time for an upgrade!  I'll have the Hermes iPad 2 case pics up as soon as I get my hands on one, but if you can't wait and buy one yourself, let me know how it is.  Or you could always save that money and get something just as good to protect your iPad 2 for less than a mortgage payment!

Invisible Shield for iPad 2 by Zagg, 25% off Coupon!

I haven't done a review yet for the Invisible Shield by Zagg for the iPad 2.  But I have heard enough to know its the one everyone is talking about and wants!  I'm still waiting for mine to come in, and I didn't catch the 20% discount code that 'iPad in Canada' has up. ( ‘iphoneinca’ to save 20% off!)  but because I ordered their product they gave me two single use coupons for most any product on their website.  (good for up to 3 products in one order) 


I'm going to save one for a friend but the first person who wants to use it, can get 25% off! Like I said its for most anything on their site, but here's a direct link to the Screen protector!  


http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/apple-ipad-2-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php

And here's the code.  If you could please post in the comments if you have used it, that would be great.  And if you miss out on the 25% coupon, the 20% is available for everyone still!

yjwdfnj9


Good luck!  


P.S If they happen to give you two codes as well after your order, if you like you can post them here or Email me and I will add them to the list, kind of a pay it forward.  I'm not sure if they give coupon users more coupons, but that would be awesome if they did!

Why the Motorola Xoom is Failing... and the iPad 2 is winning!

^ Charlie Sheen pun intended!

Why are people saying 'yes' to the iPad and 'no' to every other tablet device?  If you are like me, and scour the web for all information related to gadgets and technology and then disseminate the valuable content, sometimes at the cost of sounding like a fanboi, (Not that there is anything wrong with that, see my blog a few pages below!) then it should come as a shock to hear that only 100,000 Motorola Xoom’s were sold!  I hate to say it, but even if something is the greatest, if no one has it, unequivocally it has failed.  I’m not saying that Android tablets should be tossed out with the trash or even that they are the greatest, but how does a device that has the same specifications and most even better then the iPad 2, fair so poorly?

Take a look at the ad for the Xoom versus the ad for the iPad 2. 

Here's the ad for the Xoom

Here's the ad for the iPad 2

Likewise, I find it interesting that Coke, which holds the number 1 spot for soft drinks (in sales), depicts only their product in their ads. While the number 2, (now number 3) soft drink competitor, Pepsi, shows their product and Coke’s in almost all of their ads.  Has it not occurred to these advertising geniuses over at Pepsi that they are admitting that Coke is number 1 and their grand scheme is to hope one day that you get tired of the best product, and that you will give them a try?!?  Of course that’s not what their intent is, nor is having the most sales indicative of being the best product, but it can be said that people select the best product not with votes or taste tastes, but with the almighty dollar! However, if you want to know who the best is, it seems all you have to do is watch a few commercials on T.V and the trailing competitors will tell you!  Want to know who has the best car?  Watch American companies tell you it’s the Japanese automakers.  How many times do I hear Accord/Camry in a Big 3 ad? Then try to convince me it’s not the best based on the one thing they happen to do better.  Oh wait, that sounds familiar! 

Ouch.

Smart Cover not so Smart After all ...

So you’ve had the iPad 2 for about 2 weeks now.  If you were one of the many who bought a Smart Cover has it hit you yet?  That as great and innovative as it is, it lacks in the second part of its namesake.  It really doesn’t cover the iPad 2 the way you want it to or the way it should.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the stand positions.  It is just that after I am done with my iPad 2 or need to move with it, storage and travel is a concern. 

     I want my shiny new toy to stay shiny, and I feel that the Smart Cover is inadequate in this regard.  For those who don’t know what the smart cover is, here’s a YouTube video showing its benefits and features and what I believe is its limitations. 

So, like any other person looking to protect their investment at a reasonable cost, I went to eBay! I clicked on many links and looked at many descriptions until I found the one I was most comfortable with. For the cheaper price and the fact it took exactly 3 weeks to deliver was a concern.  However, I don’t believe that paying ~$50 for a cover is reasonable either.  Online, I found some as low as 9.99 with shipping to come out to about ~$15 and the one I settled on was $22 with shipping included.  I am very satisfied with the build of my case and it is extremely comparable to the Belkin available at Best/Buy Future Shop.

I won’t advertise the vendor, but you can see from the pics the product is capable of the typing mode and stand mode and it is very sturdy.  It does everything exactly like the Smart Cover except put it to sleep when I close the case.  If you take a look at the aftermarket ones that claim to do this, you will realize that having the magnet on the back puts the iPad 2 to sleep when held in your hands and at a certain angle.  That would become extremely annoying.   Watch this video from the 2:13 mark, it explains the issue.

There is a rumor that a fix is in the works, but I'll wait for it to come out before I change my mind.  For now I'll stick to my $20 case for protection.  My Zaggmate hasn't arrived yet, but I'll let you all know how they work together!