Enki Genius Case: The Official Verdict.

UPDATE: I have read a rumor that Enki will be shipping all existing customers a new case with a mic cutout!



I woke up the other morning and walked out on my porch to find a little white box thrown onto its stoop. The packaging was slightly bent, flimsy, and unappealing. I knew what was in it and, with a sigh and a heavy heart, I brought it inside. Rumors were that there were not only extreme shipping delays but that the quality of the case was average at best, with sharp corners, cracks, and a missing opening for the mic. I watched in horror on their facebook page as customer after customer either canceled their order or seethed about their received product and the shipping times. I am a patron at heart and kept my order, despite advice against it. Now, I'm glad I did.

I probably shouldn't have opened it yet since my iPad wasn't back from Apple, but I couldn't resist, and was pleasantly surprised with what I unpacked.

The sleeve was OKAY... and the screen protector appeared low quality. I kept in mind that this was a BONUS pack with FREE stuff so, I'm not too worried about either of them.

The Enki Genius case has a smooth, milky texture. The poly-carbonate feels thick, durable, and high quality- much better than any other clear case I've owned. I think that the overall effort put into this case made it worth its weight in value.

Yesterday morning, my iPad 2 came back. I pulled out my case, my smart cover, and my syncing cable and got to work: (I tossed the screen protector! I'm shit at applying those things...)
I couldn't get any clear shots of the area so I didn't bother posting one, but there's no hole for the mic as reported. This has not affected sound quality on voice recording or facetime. The camera hole is aligned perfectly, and the edges were smooth and well molded. The only real problem I had was with installation as the corner didn't pop on like I expected, it took a little bit of finagling. It does add a bit of thickness and weight, but it's worth the sacrifice.

Overall, once the case was shipped, I felt it was money well spent. It's high quality, it fits, and dirt doesn't get inside the case like other cases reportedly have issues with. The case I bought for my iPad 2 before had a raised lip on the edges and obstructed the smart cover's magnetic range and created a platform for little grainy particles to get underneath the cover and leave scratches on the screen. Enki Genius case has no such "lip," which I love! It does what it's supposed to and tries its best not to be there.

Link here


The stitching on the sleeve is nice, durable and I love the sewn in splatter. The iPad 2 fits into the sleeve snugly with the case, and it's very well protected when tossing it into a bag or when carrying it around. It was a really nice bonus.

Here's what opening the box looked like... minus the box. There's an oversized business card with product info and Enki's slogan. The Genius Case and screen protector were packed inside the sleeve.

Some photos on Enki's website suggested the camera hole wasn't aligned properly, but this obviously isn't the case. It has an even radius around the lens.

Some customers reported flashing (where plastic seeps through a mold) and sharp corners. My case (pictured here) doesn't show either of these symptoms, the corners are smooth and well rounded.

From the top of the iPad 2, you can barely tell that the case is on.

The hinges for the smart cover align seamlessly with the case installed.

The case is flush if not slightly below the edge of the iPad 2 as to not obstruct the sleep-wake magnets for the smart cover.

There is some bulk added to the iPad with the case on, apx 2 mm. This doesn't affect functionality but is still noticeable when holding the iPad. Those concerned with the added bulk might consider a clear skin or decal.

The hinge cutout lies just below where the magnets autoalign to allow positioning of the smart cover in typing or landscape mode.



COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE!!!!

ALSO: I am currently taking requests for other products. If there's something you'd like reviewed, leave a comment down below and your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Broken iPad 2 and Enki Genius Case

In short, I experienced an issue that I'm not sure is common with the iPad 2, but rendered it useless, nonetheless. While giddily chuckling at a youtube video showcasing Jon Stewart against Bill O'Reilly, the loading halted. I tried to look up why on my iPad when I realized the wifi bars had disappeared and a "Safari cannot open this page because it is not connected to the internet" message popped up on my screen. I troubleshooted it via apple.com, my laptop and computer connected fine, and the conclusion was that my iPad stopped picking up IP's. I called Apple Support and they were very friendly; they directed me to the UPS store with a shipping label and a replacement is on its way. I've been without now for 4 days, but I HIGHLY anticipate the return of the iPad in my life. It has been my planner, my entertainment, my word processor, my news, my weather, my grocery list and more for near 2 months and my life without it is feeling embarrassingly empty.

Either way, some people may have had some concerns about protecting the rear of the iPad 2 with the smart cover. I, of course, am one of those people, and a slideshow of cases on the usually reliable cnet.com led me to Enki's website. They offered a great deal: 29.99 for a case compatible with the smart cover, screen protector and a sleeve. It seemed like a no-brainer on April 18th and all pre-orders were scheduled to ship on May 2.

Well, they didn't ship May 2. OR May 3, or 4, or even May 10. They delayed shipping on my case until May 12, pushing 10 days past their promised ship date, all the while assuring customers on their facebook page that shipping would begin promptly. Not only did they lose many customers in this process, but their customer service is apparently on vacation. Many buyers have complained that numerous failed attempts to contact Enki or receive feedback on their inquiries has left them with no choice but to redact their patronage. Most customers are still waiting on their case to ship, people are getting the wrong tracking numbers and the whole situation is a mess. Enki has removed their fans' ability to post on their facebook wall and I am still waiting on my case to get here.

Another complaint about Enki's service was that even after the delayed ship times, instead of the promised FedEx ground shipping, customer's orders were shipped with SmartPost, which is a collaboration of FedEx and USPS. It's very slow. There's also been some dispute with a camera-to-case alignment issue. Tsk, tsk, Enki!

Those who have their cases delivered reported that there is not only no hole cutout for the mic, but that the quality didn't warrant a 30 dollar price tag, even with the bonus pack. Ouch.

When the case is delivered and an iPad is back in my hand, I'll be posting a comprehensive review and video for my readers and those on Enki's page waiting for their case. I'm apprehensive and at this point wish I would have canceled my order.

Comments? Tips? Suggestions? Let me know below!

Soundnote for iPad

I'll keep this short because I recently did another post reviewing the iPad 2 itself and I'm a bit winded.

I read about an app called Soundnote, which is 4.99 in the appstore and was listed as one of the top 5 productivity tools for under 5 dollars (full article here). I was skeptical at first; I felt I'd been getting plenty of utility out of Evernote, a free note taking app (see previous post for my thoughts on it) that lets you record lectures, type notes, share them, and organize them into notebooks. Anyway, when I read about Soundnote, I felt like I had to give it a shot and if I didn't like it, it was just a pack of smokes, right?
I had been using my Samsung Vibrant before the iPad came into my life to record the lectures, having to refresh the voice recorder every five minutes and hoping I didn't forget. It was tedious but having the audio lecture was nearly a necessity for me, I can't write as fast as my professor talks and he talks A LOT. Bear in mind, Evernote has a voice recording function as well.

THE TEST

Typing on the iPad is pretty easy for me, albeit the keyboard is a little cramped. I notice when writing emails or anything else with the iPad, I type more slowly to insure the upmost accuracy for my incredibly important document [;)], but with soundnote, I knew I could listen to the lecture later and fill in whatever didn't make sense, so I pounded away, nearly at the speed my professor was typing. I did a pretty good job and racked up a decent amount of notes without getting frustrated or breaking my stride. The recorder was also high quality, and didn't segment the lecture into five minute pieces.

But the best part was the doodle function. Now, I'm sure it wasn't meant for doodling, but it's what I used it for. I get distracted easily and all of my greatest masterpieces are in the margins of my notes, so living without the past week has been void of artistic expression. So, here's a breakdown of the pros:
It records the lecture
You can doodle
You can share it via email or write a link for your current network
Simple layout, easy to use

I feel that for five dollars, it's lacking in some areas. First of all, a virtual highlighter would be nice. I'd like to be able to press a button and drag my finger across important lines. Often I highlight something if my professor elaborates on something for too long, repeats it again in the lecture, or uses suggestive this-is-important body language. This is also a key in mine and many others study plan, because it's efficient to sort through the highlighted things first.

Next, there's no font controls. No making bigger, no changing the font, no anything. You get one font with one size/color pencil to draw with and that's all. This is also an issue because it leaves no room to compromise with those of us with highlighter habits. There's no underline feature, no bold, no way to distinguish one piece of text from another. This is a pretty big con in my opinion.

Lastly, there isn't an organization system. There is a search function, but it would still be a lot easier to navigate notes with folders.
THE VERDICT

The doodle function is the only thing separating it from a free app.
At the top of the page, I've included pictures of the layouts/ differences. Both are valuable note-taking tools and they have good features, but never pay for what you can get for free.



Which one do you like better? I vote the free one.

iPad 2 Review: Pros and Cons and Recommended Apps

So I purchased the iPad 2 on March 22nd from Best Buy with a green Smart Cover.

The packaging was simple and to the point. No bull, just ipad, usb, basic manual card and wall charger adapter. 32 gb wifi, white.


I own an android device and it does not compare by far. The iOS is sleek and intuitive, with genius apps and clean interface. I have never felt so comfortable using a handheld anything. Laptops are too heavy, phones are too small, and the iPad with it's lighter weight and thinner design feels much more comfortable in my hands.

Now, what really separates this thing from its competition, aside from the simple and elegant layout and function, are the apps available. These aren't just your every day apps stretched out to fit a bigger screen, these have been programmed to utilize the full potential of the device itself.

The iPad is quick; switching applications and purchases seems completely effortless. There is no freezing, no overheating, and the ease of navigation is impeccable. Games like deadspace and infinity blade also show how far the new processor can take itself. I think even the least savvy of tech users could easily adapt to this device, and those of us who find ourselves a bit more knowledgable in that area may find ourselves inexplicably awe stricken.

And about the functionality for families- the apps for kids are genius. The interactive books and educational games are incredibly helpful when looking to keep your toddler entertained, though I don't think the hardware is durable enough to let children use it without supervision. Also, these apps support adult interaction, which is not only beneficial to the bonding experience but increases rate of learning as well.

In terms of something I had not previously considered for the iPad, augmented reality is taking it's first steps in infancy. This is something somewhat unprecedented and conceptual, only really making its first developmental milestones with junaio and magic mirror. Utilizing apps like foursquare or twitter, this could quickly evolve into something much larger, allowing parties to hardlink images or messages in a virtual world. When third party social networking sites boost AR functionality to it's full potential, you could use your iPad as a view finder and point the cameras at a restaurant and see reviews, check-ins from your friends, as well as messages they may have left there for you. It'll taking social networking to a whole new level, and this in itself is quite literally "magical" although the iPad most definitely isn't the only device qualified or capable of advancing the AR department. This is what I'm really waiting for, and as time goes on I hope that a strong user network will be established so I myself can indulge in an augmented experience. Here are some good articles breaking that concept down:

www.thenextweb.com
www.fastcompany.com
www.macstories.net

Now, lets get to the Pros:

• The faster processor makes applications, email and surfing nearly instantaneous. The screen size also makes using these apps a lot more comfortable than what I've experienced on the iPhone and Samsung Vibrant.
• The on-screen keyboard is a little too compact, but easy to use and is much less prone to errors than its smaller siblings (iphone and ipod touch).
• Graphics capability for gaming with apps like infinity blade and deadspace exceeded my expectations and they run SUPER smooth.
• Photobooth is, as they advertise, very entertaining and facetime is an easy and fun way to call friends and family over the internet.
• It's super portable and weighs less than my books, making it VERY convenient for school. Taking notes on it is very adaptable with the free Evernote app, which allows you to separate subjects into notebooks. An external keyboard would be a lot easier for this and would eliminate the need for a laptop.
• The apps designed for kids are super fun and my toddler asks to use it every day.
• It's a tool for integration, opening doors to augmented reality and introducing high-end technology into our everyday life.
• The iOS is very user friendly and easy to learn, and lets people who may not have been as tech-savvy before have access to the benefits and convenience of technological advancement.
• The ecosystem gives way to infinite uses for the iPad, and I don't think I have ever been more pleased with a purchase.
  

Cons:

• The rear facing camera and VGA are surprisingly low quality for such a high quality product. For current iPad users considering the upgrade solely for this purpose, I would wait until they can get at least a 5mp camera on the rear of this thing. The front facing camera is about as good as a webcam, which is fine, but the rear facing camera imho is unacceptable. It's grainy and no amount of lighting will justify the still shots. The video capabilities on the other hand are surprisingly good from the same camera and the best example of this is shown in this music video here
• You look like a total arse in public with it. Until the hype about owning one calms down and people start getting their iPads in the mail, the scowls and disapproving looks coming from passerby's can really degrade the experience. Taking notes with it in class was like dangling a steak in front of a dog who knew he couldn't get it.
  
• Wireless printing (Airprint) is only supported by a small selection of wireless printers. This is especially frustrating when you have a six month old wireless printer that is now obsolete.

THE SMART COVER:
I adore the smart cover. Although it doesn't protect the back of the iPad, a good matte film and a sleeve will give it all the protection it needs. It's thin, fun, and the stand feature isn't flimsy at all. I expected a lot of the smart cover to be hype but because of it's compatibility and utility as a stand, I find it really is a must-have with the iPad. Although it does a pretty bad job keeping the screen fingerprint-free, it definitely helps to keep dirt and other abrasives away from the iPad. There's also a certain "notebook" feel the smart cover adds because you can open and close it, which I personally find aesthetically pleasing.

I found a really awesome looking wooden case on etsy. For some, it might look like a block of wood, but I found its minimalist design really appealing and if the price could be cut down a bit, I might consider buying one.




TOP FIVE APPS IN ORDER OF MY FAVORITE:

Zite: Zite is a free personalized magazine that lets you pick categories, or picks them for you using twitter or google reader. It pulls articles from the internet that you CARE about, and in an elegant layout. It really revolutionizes the browsing experience and saves a significant amount of time. Link here

Evernote: Evernote is actually what I wrote the rough drafts for my blog posts on. It's an organized and free way to take notes for school or jot down ideas. One of the best free word processors on the app market, for sure. Link here

Flipboard: There isn't a lot about flipboard that I can say except for that it turns your social feeds into a magazine. What I like particularly is that it compiles the information shared on my live feed (links, photos, etc.) in a way that makes it browsable. When on facebook in an internet browser, I often overlook the links and videos and look at the statuses, skimming through gossip and drama and occasionally popping a status in the mix. With flipboard, I'm engaged in what my friends are sharing, and the statuses have become an afterthought. I think that it does what facebook was meant to do, which is to share information with a social network of people in a way that brings us closer, instead of farther apart. The best part is, like the rest of the apps I've listed so far, it's FREE. Link here

Pages: Pages is a word processor that acts like an Office application and can send documents in Word, PDF, or Pages format in email. It has several templates to choose from and I am currently writing an English paper on it. It's supportive of airprint, so with an airprint enabled printer, you could print your documents with one tap. This app is 9.99, which is much less expensive than office and serves nearly the same function. This is best utilized by students and educators, but could very well be useful in a professional setting as well. Link here

iWriteWords: This is an interactive app for toddlers that teaches writing and counting skills. With this app, my toddler is able to write entire words and recognizes notably more sounds, letters and numbers . It's something that would have to be tried out to be really appreciated, because it incites rapid learning in the most basic and necessary functions in our educated life- literacy and the ability to count, all for just 2.99! Link here:


iPad 2 will open many windows in the future for education, augmented reality and professional life. With a growing number of apps and compatible devices, it's easy to see how tablets could easily become a part of our every day reality. With the recent cooperation with leading textbook sellers, this will also become a staple in higher education and a useful tool for teachers and educators alike and I recommend this product to everyone, despite age or occupation. I give this an 8 out of 10, and I am an extremely satisfied customer.

For my readers, what do you use your iPad or iPad 2 for? What are it's best uses? Best apps?

If you'd like me to review an app or function specifically, mail or comment requests! I'd love to answer any questions or go over in more detail anything you feel like I haven't covered adequately.

-Brooke

*Image taken with iPad 2 rear facing camera to display camera quality.

The Obstacle.

Well, it's Friday and, unfortunately, I don't have the iPad 2 as promised. While I still have it on my fat wishlist, there are a few hurdles I'm going to have to overcome. Firstly and foremost being that the iPad 2 is NOT in stock here, and secondly that due to a delayed payment on my behalf, I would have to choose between the iPad 2 and skydiving for my anniversary. Now, don't get me wrong, the iPad 2 looks like a really cool toy. It looks like a really expensive, mouthwatering and expensive toy. It looks like... well... one of the things I'm going to want to have around in dire situations to help distract me from the chaos (thunderstorms, angry toddler, pending doom) but skydiving is something I can bring with me to my grave. So, I curtsy to the iPad 2 for now and take my life one step at a time. I may, perhaps, in the spirit of things, review the skydiving adventure. In the mean time, I don't have much to report on the promised review of the newest and "magical" post-pc device on the market, unfortunately. Sorry to all who maybe (probably not) were anticipating this.

LAST WORDS:
I sold my iPod Touch and my macbook and am putting it towards a macbook pro. Obviously, for anyone who thinks 1,000 dollars is a lot of money, I'm not buying it new. I do, however, have an offer up on the table for a sweet mid-2010 Macbook Pro with an i7 2.66 ghz processor and 4gb ram (15") $1,000 and another for a mid-2010 Macbook Pro with a Core 2 Duo 2.4 ghz processor with 4gb of ram (13") $900. To encourage readers to interact, tell me what you think! The first one seems like the obvious choice but if any of you feel that maybe the core 2 duo is unnoticeably different than the i7 or if the 13" has fared better than the 15" for some reason, please input!
-Brooke

The Apple Convert

Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating my stance on apple products a little.. What I harbored for apple products up until this point had (I think) been incited by the wrath of teenaged jealousy, knowing that I would never EVER be able to afford that shiny new macbook or ipod touch I was turning green over. A lot of kids would get that kind of stuff for Christmas or birthdays but, not me. I was technologically deprived. 2007, with nothing but a cd player for music and an outdated 30 inch tv in my living room. I had a gamecube and a nintendo 64 in my house for gaming, and some compaq computer from mid 2003 in the family room for internet and schoolwork. I didn't have a cell phone until that Christmas. I was inept and deficient with technology and understandably so- it wasn't like I had a lot of access to them!
Now I'm the ripe ol' age of 20, out in the world, out on my own, and things have changed.

I still remember the feeling of my first ipod in my hands, it was like the last bit of gold in the ravaged midwest. My heart would race everytime my eyes met my reflection in the back of this little square, 4th generation ipod nano that played Feist's catchy music video in the commercial. It was smooth, cold, durable, and precious. My boyfriend took me to a WalMart and got it for me one night as a gift. I bought a little 3 pack of silicon covers to protect it. This was my first apple experience, and it's a shiny, gold plated one for me.

More recently as a GROWN ADULT with financial aid and a better grasp on finances, I can buy whatever I want as long is it aligns well with my budgetary limits, right?

iPod nano 4th gen 4gb*
iPod Video black (broken battery) 30gb*
TWO iPhone 3g black (both scrapped for parts in my repair phase), 8gb, 16gb*
Macbook A1181 Core Duo White *
Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop
Dell Inspiron 531 Desktop
Roku video streaming device (soon to be upgraded to an apple tv, possibly)
Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S phone for t-mobile
Zune HD 64gb
Zune 1st gen 30 gb
iPod Touch 3rd generation 32gb&*
COMING SOON iPad 2 32 gb wifi*

Anyway, this post is the announcement of my upcoming reviews which should be up on YouTube in the following weeks. My blog will host my detailed analysis of the products I review. Next week around Monday I will be posting a review of the iPad 2. I'll compare the iOS to androids operating system and what I know about the first ipad as well.