Ever since I got the iPad Mini, I have been researching the best accessory for it.  Protection is the main driver for me to choose which brand or model to get.  Tech21 launched in the Philippines that time.  I read several write-ups about it.  The impact technology caught my attention and I was really curious about Tech21 products.

I ended up with Tech21 for my iPad Mini.  I chose the Impact Snap Case from among all the cases that they have .  I specifically like its elegance, minimalistic look and functionality.

The best way for me to share my experience and my thoughts about Tech21 Impact Snap Case for iPad Mini is to make a list.

So here it goes….

7 reasons why I like the Tech21 Impact Snap Case with Cover for iPad Mini

1. D30 Impact Protection – this feature is why Tech21 is so unique and quite popular.  The orange lining on the case includes the D30 impact material.  It is made of non-Newtonian polymer with an intelligent molecular structure.  Those molecules usually flows freely, but upon shock or big impact, it would lock together absorbing all the force and spreading the shock across the material.  In short, the Tech21 case would take the impact away from the device making it shock proof and impact resistant.  It’s that cool that the material is being used by military worldwide!
2. Ultra Slim Snap Fit – the important thing about a case is its capability to provide a perfect fit to the gadget.  The Impact Snap Case by Tech21 did just that.  The polycarbonate material securely holds the iPad Mini via the side clips.  While it fits tightly, it’s also easy to get the case on and off the iPad Mini.  Now, that’s awesome!

3. Overall Look & Feel – Tech21 Impact Snap Case is classy, minimalistic, and obviously a premium case.  The cover is composed of genuine leather on the outside and velvet on the inside.  The cover not only protects the iPad Mini but it also keeps it clean due to the soft touch material used in the case.  The other side of the case is made of reinforced polycarbonate.  I just love how the iPad Mini looks with the case and I love how thin it is and how it feels when I hold it.

4. Access to all Ports & Controls – The Impact Snap Case has cutouts for all ports & controls of the iPad Mini.  The cutouts were done perfectly at the right size resulting to optimal protection for the gadget.  The volume controls, power, stereo speakers, mute switch, camera, headphone jack and the lightning port are easily accessible.

5. Protective Flip Cover – the leather flip cover protects the iPad Mini’s screen.  Apart from that, the cover can be folded back completely at the back because of the way it was created.  The folio style makes it light to carry around and elegant to look at.  I love it!

6. iPad Mini Stand Functionality – The Tech21 Impact Snap On Case allows us to use it as a stand thanks to the rubbery grips located on the side near the volume controls.  The rubber grips are pretty sturdy that I never have to worry about my iPad Mini from sliding.  Pretty neat & slick!

7. Smart Cover functionality – while I like this functionality of the Tech21 Impact Snap Case, it’s also my only gripe with the product.  I love that the cover has magnetic closure and automatically activates/deactivates the sleep function of the iPad Mini.  However, it doesn’t always work.  You have to make sure that the cover closes at the right part of the iPad screen.  Other than that, I’m really very happy with the accessory 🙂

Tech21 Impact Snap Case with Cover for iPad Mini is available in the Philippines at Php 1,650.  It comes in 2 colors: Black and White.

You might have noticed that I make it a point to get myself a case for every gadget that I purchase.  Considering the cost of those electronic gadgets, it makes a lot of sense to buy a case that would protect them for normal wear and tear.  It would prolong the life of the gadget and of course, gives us a sense of security that our beloved gadget is protected.

There a lot of well known brands that makes good cases.  One of them is Case-Mate.  And you know what?  The best news?  Case-Mate is now in the Philippines!

Case-Mate will have a grand launch of the brand, as well as the opening of its first kiosk!  The big celebration will be between July 19-21, 2013.

So you don’t need to order overseas anymore if you love Case-Mate!  You can go ahead and visit its first concept kiosk located at the 4th floor Cyberzone, SM Annex, SM City North Edsa in Quezon City.

Case-mate crafted (take note of the word craft, Case-mate consider themselves crafting cases and not making cases) different lines of cases that caters to a specific lifestyle.  Apart from that, Case-mate has partnered with popular gadget manufacturers to ensure that Case-mate products are fit for each device.  Those brands include HTC, Apple, Samsung, Sony & Blackberry.

• Glam series for the female fashionistas that can dazzle and sparkle day or night.
• Creatures collection for the young and playful, nothing looks more cute and adorable.
• Men’s collection evoke a look of modern and natural sophistication.
• Brushed Aluminum series impress with a blend of metallic, sporty look and sleek luxurious feel.
• Woods series to be as exotic and distinct as the premium hardwood which goes into every Case-mate cases.
• Carbon Fiber series to create handsome aesthetics and complement your high-performance automobiles with the technologically advanced lightweight fibers used by Formula One race cars and luxury automobiles.
• Tough series collection for the ones that live in an active lifestyle.

Starting July 19, consumers can now see and try the vast selection of Cast-Mate cases for their gadgets.  There will be promos from Case-mate from time to time.  In fact, to celebrate the opening of Case-Mate in the Philippines, selected cases will be at 80% off from July 19-21, 2013!

Cool news, right? 🙂

I discovered Slussen via Facebook when someone posted a photo of it.  I immediately said to myself that I want one!  It is a unique accessory and I must say a needed one for a gadget freak like me.

This small gadget accessory is as simple as you get.  It is a 2-piece item.  There’s a keyring, and an adapter that you plug into your iOS device.  But don’t let its size diminish its functionality.  The Urbanears Slussen is fierce, super fierce!  This little thing coupled with its free iOS companion software can transform any place into a fun party!

How? Read on.

Headphone Splitter

I initially got myself the Slussen because I felt the need to have this accessory so that when I go on a trip with a friend, I will be able to share the music I’m listening to.

You know being able to listen to music with both earphones on really makes a difference versus listening with just one ear.  Having both me and a friend making the most out of our headphones or earphones is really the reason why we have those accessories.  The Slussen by Urbanears made it possible and I love it!

This functionality alone made me think that purchasing Urbanears Slussen is worth it.  However, upon reading the manual, I was totally shocked that Slussen was actually made for the DJ in us…

Pocket-sized DJ Kit

I’ve always thought that I have ZERO talent for DJing.  Whenever I’m in a party, I would just look at the DJ from afar thinking that I would never ever be able to try out how to mix sounds and especially, scratching them.  Besides, I don’t have the equipment.  This year, that impossibility became a possibility!  How did that ever happen?

Technology really advances fast that even DJing is a possibility now for newbie like me.  Thanks to Urbanears Slussen, my headphones and speaker, I now spent a couple of days mixing and experimenting music.  I’m enjoying it sooo much!

So here’s how it works:

1. Download the Slussen iOS application from the app store.
2. Connect the slussen adapter to your iPhone.
3. Plug your speaker and headphones to your slussen adapter.
4. Launch the Slussen iOS application and you’re on your way to DJ awesomeness!

In just one glance of the Slussen iOS application, you can already see the different controls.  The first thing I did was load the tracks in each of the deck. I chose two of my favorite songs today.  When I played the songs, they really didn’t match.  I had to read some tutorials on how I can mix music.  It’s definitely not easy. I’m just glad that Urbanears had thought about this great app and accessory so that at least I can experience DJing (even just for my own enjoyment, hehe!).

Slussen’s Controls

• kill all – kill the EQ effects on the respective side
• 125 BPM – increase the BPM of a track or change the pitch by tapping the BPM button
• sync button – press this button to make sure that 2 different tracks are played in perfect sync
• equalizer – press and hold the EQ button to adjust the equalizer or gain.
• scratch function – press and move any of the decks while they are playing to scratch
• crossfader – slide from right to left to choose which side should be heard in your speakers
• headphone crossfader – lets you choose which deck you will hear in your headphones
• cue feature – cue instantly, or set a new cute-point by tapping the cue button

What I appreciate in this application is how you can mix two different tracks and control where the music will come out.  You use the crossfaders to control the music that will come out in your speaker or headphones.  There’s the sync button to make the two tracks in sync (this is especially helpful if I suddenly got tired of harmonizing them).  Of course, the scratch function is a joy to play with!

The best feature of it all is pre-listening!  You can prepare your next music mix on your headphone without affecting the sounds coming out of the speaker.  Then when ready, you load the next track to mix for everyone to listen.

In the future, I hope that Urbanears would add a feature wherein we can record our own music mixes.

Keychain

Lastly, how else can we bring Urbanears Slussen with us but hanging on our keychain?  It’s easy to pull it up when we need the Slussen, whenever, wherever, and always 🙂

More Information?

Still want to know more about Urbanears Slussen?  Then watch the video from Urbanears below.

Availability

Urbanears Slussen is available in four colors [Tomato (red), Grape (purple), Petrol (blue) & Pumpkin (orange)] and is priced at Php 795 in the Philippines.