Posts tagged iPhone 4
FELTU sleeve for iPhone 4
0A couple of weeks ago I ordered a ‘Jeans Lovers’ iPhone 4 sleeve ($18.90) from FELTU.com after a friend mentioned it on Twitter. I’d already bought the Noir Luxe case some months ago, but have been looking for something a little more stylish and FELTU seemed to fit that bill.
The sleeve arrived yesterday and my first impressions were a little disappointing. It didn’t feel as well made as I anticipated and the ‘jeans’ material isn’t really denim at all – just a material that looks like it. I could get past this little cosmetic issue if it felt more protective than it does and had adequate velcro fastening. But really, that part is pretty much useless and barely fastens at all. I’m not confident that if I pulled it out of my pocket upside down that the velcro fastener would keep the phone from sliding out of the sleeve and crashing to the floor.
While it looks quite nice as you can see above, I just feel let down by the quality of it. The sleeve does appear quite a bit wider than the iPhone 4, so it’s definitely not snug and could easily slip out if that velcro isn’t secure. At the moment I am using it in the house only and feel that I will be popping it back into my Noir Luxe sleeve when I go out, for that added protection and the magnetic fastening which holds it in place.
So, my search for a both stylish and secure sleeve for iPhone 4 continues.
[rating:2/5]
A Very Techy 2010
5Compared to 2009, 2010 has been jam packed with gadget buying for me. I think one of the only gadgets I purchased last year was the Magic Mouse, so this year has been a real treat. Here’s a little look back over the past 12 months and my thoughts on the gadgets that found a home at Fruit Bytes HQ.
Apple TV 1st Gen, 140GB
For quite a while I’d to’d and fro’d on the idea of getting an Apple TV, then in February I finally gave in and bought one. I must be perfectly honest and say that it wasn’t a blow-away purchase in the beginning as my plans to copy my DVD’s to the hard drive didn’t materialise mostly due to the tedious process involved. I’d also planned on purchasing movies and TV shows digitally rather than physically, but the difference in price between the two formats is still a huge factor for me. iTunes still tends to be three times and more costly for TV shows compared to DVD. I am only now warming to my Apple TV and have purchased a couple of movies recently. One contributing factor for that has been the lack of delivery in the UK due to the snowfall we’ve had since the end of November, so it’s been very convenient to just sit back and hit BUY in iTunes. So easy…too easy 
[rating:3.5/5]
Apple iPad WiFi 32GB
As I wrote here, myself and the iPad just didn’t get on. I look back now, several weeks after selling it and feel no warmth or affection for this device at all. I’d even go so far as to say it’s the most disappointing Apple purchase I have ever made in the 5 years I have been ‘A Mac’. I’m sure iPad v2, reportedly coming very soon, will be more appealing to others but I cannot see myself ever wanting to purchase an iPad again.
[rating:2/5]
Apple iPhone 4, 32GB
From day one this has been one of the best purchases of 2010. iPhone truly is the gift that keeps on giving. I love the improved camera on this which has totally wiped out any need I have for a separate digital camera. I love the speed of it and that beautiful Retina Display which just knocks me out everytime I pick it up. It’s hard to see how Apple can improve on this next year, other than a better quality front camera and more storage for those who need it.
[rating:5/5]
Apple Magic Trackpad
This was very much an impulse buy and I didn’t expect to enjoy using it quite as much as I do. When using the trackpad of my PowerBook G4, I always used to get wrist pain and generally found it uncomfortable to use. So before the Trackpad arrived I was asking myself “Why did you buy this, then?”. I was most surprised to find that it felt completely natural and the gestures make it much more comfortable and easier to use than a standard mouse. Infact I don’t think I could go back to a mouse again after using this.
[rating:5/5]
Apple MacBook Air 11.6″, 64GB
After selling my iPad, I quickly ran out and bought one of these in early November. And I’m so glad I did. This along with my iPhone 4 are joint ‘best purchases of 2010′. It is the perfect machine for me and I find myself using it far more than my iMac thesedays. The battery life is pretty good, it’s a super fast and cool machine and I *still* have not heard the fans in this. I’m pretty sure mine was shipped without them! When the Mac App Store launches in January then the Air will probably become my primary machine even more. I love typing on it, it makes me more productive when writing and it’s just an all round pleasure in every way.
[rating:5/5]
Nintendo Wii (black) with Mario Kart Bundle
Just over a week ago I bought the Nintendo Wii with Mario Kart, steering wheel, Motion Plus controller and Wii Sports after months of “will I, won’t I?”. I’m so glad I did. For fun it’s amazing, for exercise it’s even more amazing-er! I loved playing Mario Kart on Nintendo DS, but playing on the Wii is even more enjoyable and can play online against my friends which is the most fun of all. Amazon had a great bundle price of just £149 recently so I took the opportunity to purchase then. Wii Sports is also a very fun packed game, especially Tennis and Bowling – and some laughs have been had when competing with friends and family – and that’s even before Christmas arrives.
[rating:4.5/5]
HP Photosmart Plus All-in-One Printer
I bought this from PC World for £79.99 around a month ago, just before iOS 4.2.1 with AirPrint was released, safe in the knowledge that this printer was going to be compatible with this new iOS feature. I did have a couple of teething troubles setting this up. After installing the cartridges it kept returning a print head error which was only resolved after several attempts at cleaning them. Wasn’t the ‘works straight outta the box’ that I’m so used to in gadgets I buy, so this will be reflected in my rating. However, aside from that I’m extremely pleased in the quality of the prints and the features this has, especially ePrint and AirPrint. I’ve had my iPhone photos on my phone for just too long, so it’s nice to be able to bring them to life by printing them out and sharing with people.
[rating: 3/5]
I think that concludes my Very Techy 2010 list. I hope 2011 is just as exciting and gadget-filled as this year has been!
Noir Luxe case for iPhone 4
2A few weeks ago my Apple Bumper arrived as part of the free Case Program from Apple for iPhone 4 customers. I chose the Bumper as I didn’t want my iPhone completely covered by a case. However, I wasn’t impressed with the way it made my iPhone look – bulky and very un-iPhone-like.
Up until today I had been using my old Proporta Maya sleeve from my iPhone 3G. Because iPhone 4 is slimmer, the sleeve was very sloppy on it and easily slid out. But, it was enough to protect it in my pocket for the short term while I shopped around for replacement sleeves specifically for iPhone 4.
A few days ago I was browsing AmazonUK and found a Noir Luxe leather sleeve for less than £12. Here are some photos…
It’s hand stiched fine quality leather and has a soft protective interior – and a pull tab to get the iPhone in and out easily.
If, like me, you prefer your tech naked in your hand but fully protected when it’s in your bag and pocket then I’d recommend the Noir Luxe leather sleeve for iPhone 4.
[rating:5/5]
2 Weeks with iPhone 4
11Little over two weeks ago I took delivery of a 32GB iPhone 4, having ordered the SIM free version direct from Apple. I was out of contract, making me fully available for an upgrade from o2, but the lure of my current £15 o2 iPhone Simplicity tariff with 300 mins and unlimited texts was too much to ignore and I decided to buy the handset outright and stay on the Simplicity plan with a 12 month contract.
I have been totally blown away by the speed and beauty of iPhone 4. The screen is just beautiful – turn it to any angle and it just stands out, looking like the icons are painted ON the screen. That’s the first thing you notice. The second thing is the speed. Coming from a laggy iPhone 3G, it is a real treat to use something that loads games much easier and switches between apps that much quicker.
The 5MP camera on the iPhone is wonderful. I am truly stunned at the beautiful shots it produces and the tap to focus is a dream. Coming from a 2MP on my 3G is a huge upgrade and I think it’s safe to say that I won’t be needing a separate digital camera for my photography needs anymore. The iPhone 4 camera has taken it’s place. Here’s a photo straight from the iPhone, no editing…
One question I have been asked the most over the past two weeks is what my signal strength and reception is like, given that many are experiencing issues due to the antenna placement. I have not experienced a single dropped call. I know many people personally who have the iPhone 4 and none of them have experienced any significant issues with regards to signal, nor are they regretting their upgrade in any way. There’s now a rumour of an iPhone 4 recall. It’s interesting to note that of the people I follow on Twitter, those who appear gleeful of a possible (though unlikely) recall are the ones that don’t have an iPhone 4 or any interest in Apple. Make of that what you will.
I have made several phone calls and all of them have been clear and constant, no dropouts. Infact recently I was on a call and not paying attention to how I was holding the phone. When I looked, one of my fingers was near the ‘death grip’ corner and yet my bars were full. I’m pleased to say that the signal issue isn’t affecting me to the extent that it’s reportedly affecting others. However, talk to my Brother and he will tell you a different story with his handset – but then again he’s using a Nokia and gets repeated drops with every call he makes
Have you bought iPhone 4? What are your thoughts and experiences thus far?
[rating:5/5]
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