Cool Stuff for the Mac Pro.

As noted in the security documentation accompanying today’s release, Safari 5.0.1 and 4.1.1 address an AutoFill security flaw disclosed last week that could allow a malicious site to obtain a user’s Address Book information, including name, c…

Image from cleggster83
In what is not a terribly big surprise considering that they started shipping at the beginning of the week, free iPhone 4 bumpers have begun arriving into the hands of customers. As with the first wave of shippi…

Apple today announced that it has released Safari 5.0.1, officially launching the “extensions” feature that it partially activated last month with the initial release of Safari 5 to permit developers to begin work on their plug-ins. Extensio…

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iDevice Accessories, Reviews

More and more, I’m becoming a fan of skins for my iDevices. I like that they protect the products without adding extra bulk, I like that I can still use them with cases and holsters when necessary, and I like that they provide numerous options for me to customize my case with something beyond a color or pattern. MusicSkins and GelaSkins were quick to offer iPhone 4 designs, and I’ve had the chance to try them both out.

And while we’re at it, let’s talk about the StealthArmor for iPhone 4, too.

GelaSkins for iPhone 4

GelaSkins ($14.95) is about artwork. You will find no licensed sports teams, bands, or TV shows here, just an impressive array of designs from over 100 artists, contemporary and classic. This is good, because in many instances, the designs seem tailored for use on tiny devices such as the iPhone 4.

For my test unit, I went with The Enamored Whale by Alberto Cerriteño. It’s not that I’m a fan of Alberto, per say, but that I just kind of dug that particular design for my iPhone. It does look good on it, helped by the fact that GelaSkins carries the design across the entire phone. You not only get the skin for the back, but for the sides and the top/bottom of the front as well.

In addition, they include a wallpaper you can download for your Lock and Home Screens, sized appropriately for the iPhone 4 960×640 pixel resolution.

The skins are fairly easy to apply, mainly because you can remove and reapply them repeatedly until you get the proper placement. I had no trouble with the back or front pieces, but oddly, the thinner side pieces took some work before I felt they were straight enough to leave in place. The only real problem I had here was with the cutouts for the camera, volume buttons and such, which always peeled up with the skin and were difficult to pop free.

As far as skins go, there are few sets as complete as what you get from GelaSkins. They offer complete protection from scratches and scuffs (only the edge top and bottom are exposed), and if you save your backing, you can remove them and use them again later (I tried this only once, so I can’t verify how many times this will work). You get the most for your money here, and with the wide number of artists available, you’re sure to find a design you like.

If not, you can always create your own.

MusicSkins

MusicSkins ($15.00) also allows you to create your own skin. If you’d rather access their library of designs, they also offer a collection of modern artists from which to choose. Their main focus, however, is on pop culture. As such, you can choose from bands, fashion models, cartoons, and even media outlets or the President of the United States. This is where you go when you want people to know you’re a big fan of Queen, for example, like I did.

The skin itself is comparable to that of the GelaSkins model, offering solid scratch protection in a format that can be easily applied and removed. However, you only receive the back skin here; nothing for the front or edges. This isn’t a deal breaker, but something to consider, especially seeing that the prices are about the same.

In addition, the matching graphic you can download to use as your wallpaper is only available in the old 480×320 resolution of the previous iPhone models. Not a big deal, since you can easily create your own matching wallpaper or just wait until MusicSkins upgrades theres, which I anticipate they will.

Although GelaSkins offers the better deal, it’s not significant enough to give MusicSkins a pass. The quality of the skins themselves is comparable, so I do recommend you check out MusicSkins to see if they’ve got a design you like more than what GelaSkins has to offer.

Stealth Armor

I’m not actually going to review the Stealth Armor for iPhone 4 (starting at $25), as we instead decided to give the review units away. (You did enter, right?) We recently ran reviews of Stealth Armor for iPad and Stealth Armor for iPhone 3G, so check those out for critical analysis of this skin. However, we want to make sure you’re aware of this option, as well.

The Stealth Armor is more rugged than what you get from GelaSkins and MusicSkins. The material used here was originally designed for race cars, after all. Do you need that for an iPhone? I suppose it depends upon whether you hold your phone out the window when racing home from work. But when it comes to protection, there’s no such thing as overkill. As with the GelaSkins, matching side covers are included.

The drawback to the increased strength is that getting it on your iPhone is more of a chore (it comes with a complete tool kit). Once you remove it, you’re done. Also, the designs are much more limited (woodgrain, leather, brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.). They’re all quite sharp and professional looking, but you won’t be making a fashion/art statement with these.

Of course, aren’t you already doing that just by having an iPhone 4?

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

FROM GAMERTELL – Disney becomes the biggest Hollywood owner of casual games with its purchase of established developer Playdom…
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Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Mac Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for July 28, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• As popularity of Apple products grows, DVDVideoSoft introduces programs which let everyone easily get video for such devices as iPod, iPhone, iPad, AppleTV. Free Video to iPod Converter and Free Video to iPhone Converter are refreshed products in the set of free multimedia tools Free Studio, while Free Video to iPad Converter and Free Video to Apple TV Converter are completely new tools launched by DVDVideoSoft especially for release of iPad and Apple TV.
• iSkysoft is offering DVD to iPhone Converter for free ($29 value) from 27th July, 2010 to 9th August, 2010. Both Mac and PC version are available. There are no complicated steps to get it; fans iSkysoft on Facebook can enter their email address to receive a keycode via email. That’s it.
• Macware has announced they are running a sweepstakes as a thank you to the Mac community that has supported them over the years. The online sweepstakes will reward one lucky winner with an Apple 16GB WiFi iPad in August. No purchase is necessary, and you can enter through August 15, 2010. The iPad has quickly captured the imagination of over 3 million tech savvy customers, and continues to push Apple ahead of other tablet and e-reader competitors with its revolutionary design and function.
• Freshcode has announced a promotion dubbed Experience Bodega. Available exclusively through the Bodega application, Experience Bodega provides users with 50% discounts on eight of today’s most popular Mac applications, including CleanMyMac, 1Password, My Living Desktop, Sandvox, and more. In order to participate, users only need the free Bodega application. It provides convenient, intuitive ‘corner store’ access to the latest and hottest apps for the Macintosh.
• Ambrosia Software, Inc. has announced the updated release of their award winning screen capture utility Snapz Pro X 2.2.3.  This updated version is free to all registered users of Snapz Pro X 2.x. Why take a static screenshot when Snapz Pro X makes creating a movie just as easy? Snapz Pro X does that, and so much more! Rather than read about it, just download Snapz Pro X from our web site today and see for yourself! Each of Ambrosia’s products offer a trial period so you can see first hand how great they are before purchasing.
• Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the immediate availability of OWC PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz Memory Upgrade Kits up to 16GB for the new Mid 2010 iMac models introduced by Apple yesterday. OWC Memory Upgrade Kits offer all 2010 iMac owners the advantages of upgrade options not available from the factory, savings up to 50% compared to same size factory installed options, and quality assurance from a Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty and Money Back Guarantee.
• The MacBU is gearing up to launch Office for Mac 2011 later this year and unveiling details of the new suite. Today, OfficeforMac.com has the first in a series of videos highlighting the new features. Tune in to watch the video and hear from the team and be sure to stay tuned for more videos to come.
• MyService has announced a new 750GB hard drive upgrade for the MacBook and MacBook Pro. These new 9.5mm drives by Western Digital are the largest drives available for the MacBook. MyService has these drives in stock. The upgrade service includes the new drive, round trip shipping, professional installation and data transfer. MyService makes the service process fast and easy. MyService sends a custom laptop shipping container to you. All shipping is insured and can be tracked online.
• 360Works today released ScriptMaster 4, the latest version of its popular free FileMaker plugin. As 360Works’ most popular product, ScriptMaster now includes 81 functions, enabling developers to effortlessly manipulate files and folders, encrypt and decrypt sensitive data, download web pages and submit online forms, push notifications to iPhone and other iOS devices, and incorporate XML Web Services, shell scripting and event/script triggering.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Yianni-Software has announced Laddersnake 1.0, their new board game for Apple’s revolutionary iPad device. Setting traps, stunning players and jumping forward are just some of the added features. The original premise of snakes and ladders is at the heart of Laddersnake but this is only the start. Up to 4 players can player and each get 4 bonuses at their disposal to unleash attacks onto their opponents.
• Conniption Entertainment has announced a sequel to its hit game Zombie Invasion,  Zombie Invasion 2 HD for the iPad, to be released on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. The zombies are back! And they brought friends, lots of them! Like the prequel, this game is all about survival and high scores. It’s a global competition for daily, weekly, and all time high scores. Earn a spot on the leaderboard by strategically managing your money and ammo. Accuracy will earn you valuable point multipliers.
• AlwaysOnPC has announced AlwaysOnPC 1.0 for iPad and version 1.0 for Android. The virtual PC app liberates mobile users to browse any website on FireFox, and empowers them with over forty programs including a PC-caliber mobile Office suite. The OpenOffice suite lets users edit office documents and is fully open and save compatible with most common file types. Using FireFox with Flash inside AlwaysOnPC, users can finally browse the whole Web on their device.
• LUXE Asia, Ltd. and CSL have released a series of LUXE City Guides Mobile 1.0.1 for iPhone users. There are apps for ten different cities in the collection so far, with ten more being added shortly. For the past seven years, these straight shooting, ‘take no prisoners’ guides have been best selling books, receiving acclaim from Vanity Fair, The New York Times and other publishers of note. Now, LUXE City Guides bring their no nonsense attitude and travel expertise to the mobile market.
• Kiwa Media has just released Hairy Maclary From Donaldsons Dairy 1.0 for iPad users. The application is already the number 1 “book” in the iTunes app store. The application is a unique, interactive, read-along QBook which combines a celebrity narrator’s voice, full page illustrations, touchable speaking text, to help young kids develop reading and comprehension skills in an entertaining way. QBook is a very popular teaching tool and has become the format of choice for many publishers.
• Mobilehead Games has released Robin Hood: Hero of Hope 1.1 for iPhone users. The application offers some of the best of steam punk fantasy gameplay and challenging fun. Users are put in the role of Robin Hood, the one counted on to save damsels in distress and put bad guys in their place. Features include an over shoulder view with point and shoot capabilities, as well as funny character voiceovers. To celebrate Robin Hood Week, users can purchase the app at a special price.
• Fantasy Trader by Locus Innovations lets users immerse themselves in the world of sports and feel the frenzy of the fast paced world of big money. The unique aspect of the app is in its social element. Fantasy Trader is a virtual sports trading platform that enables sports enthusiasts to interact and compete with each other and compare one athlete versus another in a highly competitive environment as well as find out what their real value is. Users can also join different clubs and make the whole trading experience even more enjoyable and fun.
• Dot Next has announced OctoPaul 1.0, a free and funny app for iPhone and iPod touch to consult the popular oracle octopus. This app is a funny way to choose between two choices when you can’t do it yourself. Better Restaurant or Pizza? Bus or Metro? Sea or Mountains? With OctoPaul the choice will be finally easy. Users can tell the octopus two choices and ask him to choose for them, once the oracle has given the verdict they can share it with their friends on Facebook.
• Northpole Studio and Bulkypix have announced Bermuda Triangle: Saving The Coral. The coral is a natural and beautiful life form. Unfortunately it is highly threatened by human activities, black market and global warming. Choose your ship and help save coral reefs by matching three or more same-color pods and releasing nutrients to the coral on the sea floor. Sail through several levels, use special items (anchors, bombs, submarine waves…) and battle black market thieves, sharks, octopuses and other sea creatures. Collect points and spend them in the shop on special items that will ease in gameplay. The game features many hours of challenging gameplay, various maps and puzzles and three game modes: Campaign, time attack and unlimited.
• iPhone App developer Happy Blue Fish Studio has announced Okinawa Game: Keep Your Vitality 1.0.1, their newest game for iPhone and iPod touch. Comprised of 4 entertaining mini-games, as well as a helpful information section, Okinawa Game: Keep Your Vitality offers an entertaining way to unlock the secrets of a longer life. A highly useful information section, gives users added details on all the foods and techniques used throughout the games.
• Atomic Software has announced Bike Repair 1.0 their new time and money-saving app for iPhone and iPod touch. Always at the ready on the road or at home, Bike Repair is an easy-to-use, step-by-step reference guide to dozens of common bike repair issues. It will pay for itself the very first time it’s used. From changing tires to rear derailleur adjustment, Bike Repair offers detailed instruction on over 2 dozen common repairs that work for every major brand of bicycle.
• Photo-sharing service Jalbum has announced an update to its popular iPhone app. Jalbum for iPhone 1.1 enables users to browse, share and create stunning web photo albums straight from the device and update existing albums. Taking advantage of the iOS4 API, the Jalbum iPhone app now supports multi-selection of photos. This update cuts the time and effort of making a gorgeous web album to a bare minimum.
• Iskandar, Inc. has introduces Logan and the Upside Down Sea 1.0, their interactive eBook for kids optimized for all iOS devices. The eBook features: pen and ink, hand drawn graphics; read aloud option; follow along text; touch sensitive characters; interactive story line; and an imaginative, fun-filled narrative. Incorporating page turn animation, the optimized graphics appear at the highest resolution possible, whether viewed on an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Retina display.
• Independent developer Ian Miller today has announced Salesdiver 1.0 for iPad devices. Salesdiver serves to help sales people close more business by gaining a broader understanding of their sales opportunities. It does this by prompting them during their sales calls to ask the right questions to qualify their opportunities thoroughly – and therefore allows them to focus on the deals they can win. Conduct a face to face conversation with a sales prospect without the technology getting in the way.
• Independent developer Drew Crawford has announced Timely Lite 1.0, a free version from the successful Timely app family for iPhone and iPod touch. Timely Lite lets hourly employees track time and wages, fill out timecards, and keep a detailed work history. It lets users see their earnings for the day or week with a live-updating display. It is versatile as a timetracker, with accuracy to the nanosecond with convenient features that automatically sum each day’s time and more.
• infiniteNIL has released Numerology 1.9, an update to its numerology application for iOS. Numerology helps you use the ancient science of numerology to gain insight into yourself and other people. See how compatible two people are for friendship, a business relationship, or romance. It’s a great icebreaker for parties as well. Version 1.9 is now a universal application and takes advantage of the larger screen when run on the iPad. A free lite version limited to 2 profiles is also available.
• Moving Tales Inc. has announced The Pedlar Lady of Gushing Cross, a new and exciting iPad app. The Pedlar Lady of Gushing Cross lets adults share great stories with children and establishes a truly original and engaging new world of storytelling. Inspired by the age-old tale of a man who becomes rich through a dream, it describes the journey of a poor pedlar woman who, guided by the shifting line between the real and the unreal, discovers a surprising and wonderful treasure.
• publicspace.net has released Vitamin-R 1.21, its productivity tool for creative professionals. Vitamin-R is a collection of tools and techniques designed to overcome the biggest productivity challenges facing today’s creative professionals: managing attention and maintaining motivation. Vitamin-R’s log book preserves the objective, time frame, concentration level and completion status of every completed task and can maintain links with OmniFocus or Things to-dos.
• Catamount Software has announced Today! 1.0, an app that supplements Calendar to add missing features sought out by busy professionals and others who need more ease, efficiency, and power than Apple’s Calendar supplies. Today! also shows all the information you need about appointment time, location, and notes for the appointment without needing extra taps, and integrates with Maps so you can tap on location to open the route to your next appointment.
• Mad Monkey Militia has announced that iHurt is not an RTS, it’s not Starcraft 2 and we are very sorry for that. iHurt is an exciting new cartoon style action game for the iPhone and iPod touch. iHurt and iHurt Lite is full of serious laughter, cartoon antics, ragdoll physics fun and plenty of Saturday Morning Cartoon-style HURT! The game takes place in a cartoon universe where your character’s success is measured by how much ‘Hurt’ they can inflict on themselves.
• Lighted Mirror 4.0 has been released by Vadique. Lighted Mirror 4.0 is going to be an irreplaceable application for users who always need to have a look in the mirror to check their appearance or make-up. The new app for iPhone 4 takes advantage of the front facing camera of the new iPhone and turns it into a handy pocket mirror. Lighted mirror 4.0 allows users to take a look at their own reflection in the lighted mirror which is very convenient in darkened environments.
• TrendyDigital Design has unveiled the Dimension Case for the iPad. The Dimension case supports several positions and orientations for viewing the iPad. This transforming capability of the Dimension gives iPad users the freedom to interact with the iPad in the ways they like. iPad users can interact with their device in an elegant frame case, or transform the jacket case into a stand and interact with their iPad either in landscape or portrait orientation.
• Empire Brands has revealed three new collections of fashion-forward headphones: Chill, Reverb and Tour. All three collections sport graffiti-inspired design elements and pack powerful sound, giving Wicked Audio customers a stylish alternative accessory option to enjoy their favorite tunes. Each headphone within the Wicked Audio line offers consumers an aesthetically appealing accessory and a superior listening experience. These headphones are designed with durable plastic, comfortable ear cushions, and feature vibrant color choices. Each plug is gold-plated to prevent corrosion, and each cord is 1.2 meters long to ensure optimum flexibility while listening on the go.
• Redbits has announced Group Email! 1.0 for iOS devices. With Group Email! you can send email to groups, to handpicked set of contacts or to custom distribution lists. You can optionally attach photos, videos, documents, your current location information with map and address, audio clips, pasteboard content and contacts information. And if you send the same email text frequently, you can create a template and use it for save typing.
• Zentertain has announced Tapic 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Tapic is a revolutionary rhythm game that lets you play with all your own iPod music. The gameplay is similar to Tap Tap Revenge but the huge difference is you can play with whatever music you want and you don’t have to buy any expensive music pack. For each game modes, there are various game themes will give you different game experience. If you’re a fan of rhythm games Tapic is definitely the best game for you.
• MaxNick has just released Box Battle, a meticulously constructed, physics based puzzle game for the iPhone and iPad. Operating an advanced, steam-powered artillery cannon, players apply a mix of cunning, precision shooting, and brute force to blast their way through 130 industrially themed puzzles. Each copper pipped level offers unique fortification types and challenging tasks.
• Genera has developed Kids Song Machine 1.2.1 for iPhone and iPod touch, a solution for parents looking for the perfect children’s app. Kids Song Machine is an application centered on music, specifically for young children. It uses rhythm and song to provide a rich sensory environment that allows young children to learn. Parents can help their children on the go or between tasks – spurring development rather than mindless entertainment.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Apple Business, Mac Software, Apple Software, Web Applications / Development, Operating Systems, Mac OS X, Snow Leopard, Windows

Alongside the existing extension galleries that Chrome and Firefox already have, Apple has now launched their very own website to display extensions Safari developers are creating. We new this was coming based on Apple’s Safari extension submission request, as well as the fact that once you add extensions to Safari it only makes sense to promote them.

As you’d expect, extensions.apple.com is written in clean and beautiful HTML5 as well as all the other latest web standards…save Flash.

Some of the extensions Apple is highlighting include Twitter for Safari (official from Twitter, Inc.), Bing Highlights (another stab at Google?), MLB Toolbar, the NY Times, eBay Manager, and Amazon Wish List. On top of that, there are also plenty of other galleries that have made their way into Apple’s web page. If you’re a Safari 5 user, I’d highly recommend checking it out.

See [extensions.apple.com]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Rumors, iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iDevice Accessories

Having serious problems with your iPhone 4’s reception related to the death grip maneuver? If so, Best Buy and invisibleSHIELD would like to help. It’s not cold hard fact yet, but there are some pretty convincing images floating around that show they’re teaming up to offer the invisibleSHIELD 4fix free to any iPhone 4 user, regardless of where you purchased it.

I know, you’re saying there has to be some kind of catch. Sorry, no catch here. Unless you were thinking that you were going to get a full screen protector for free.  Nope, the 4fix covers the antennae of your reception-impaired iPhone 4.  This might be better that Apple’s free case program for some users, since this solution is about as thin as possible.  Typical invisibleSHIELD protectors cover all sides of the iPhone 4.  And if the full invisibleSHIELD product is similar to the XO Skin protector for iPhone 4 (and I think it is), then it’s likely worth what it costs.  While the 4fix won’t protect your screen, it should alleviate most problems that some users report having with the exposed antennae of the iPhone 4.  I’m betting most people won’t bother dropping by Best Buy for their free 4fix since I believe the reception issue isn’t as big a deal as some are making it out to be. 

Remember, this isn’t official yet, but Engadget says they have numerous tipsters saying it’s true.  So, before you make a special trip to Best Buy, give them a call.  Or just wait for the official announcement.

Also see:

• iPhone 4 Case Program product details
• Free iPhone 4 Bumper alternative deals

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Macintosh / Apple Hardware, Peripherals, Reviews

Provides: Camera support
Developer: Joby
Minimum Requirements: DSLR camera, camcorder
Price: $99.95
Availability: Now

You already know and love Joby and their amazing line of Gorillapods. They have models for every size and weight of camera, from point and shoot to cell phones to DSLRs.  This time around, I’m taking a look at the Gorillapod Focus, which can hold just about any gear you can attach to it.

The Gorillapod Focus is currently the strongest flexible tripod available.  It can hold up to an astounding 5kg (11lbs).  That means that it’s either a bit overkill for what you have, or just perfect.  It’s really aimed at holding professional video equipment.  Think huge camcorders.

But there’s no reason why you can’t use a DSLR with it, especially if you have a large lens attached, need it to be motionless or are extremely protective/paranoid.  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy this particular model if you think you might ever outgrow the weight capacities of lesser models.  Needless to say, if you have heavy equipment, this is your best (and possibly only) choice.  And it’s still a pretty good choice if you don’t, for numerous reasons.

First off, it’s the best made, strongest and sturdiest Gorillapod that money can buy (currently).  If you don’t already know why Gorillapods are amazing, let me explain.  The idea behind the Gorillapod is that you can carry a very compact tripod to do the work of a full size tripod in most situations.  All you need is an object to wrap the legs of the Gorillapod around.  This could be a tree limb, a sign, a pole, a railing, your shoulder, your leg…you get the idea.

Actually, you don’t necessarily need to get the legs all the way around something either, especially with the Focus.  It’s quite amazing what you can safely attach it to, but you really won’t know until you try it.  And if you can’t find something to grab onto, you can always use it as a tabletop-style tripod.  I’ve taken some of my best pictures with the Gorillapod on the ground like a normal tripod.  It’s a very interesting angle to shoot from.  All that’s left to do is set the timer and get in frame.  Or don’t, if you’re just using the tripod for stability.

One thing worth noting is that this is the only Gorillapod with aluminum balls and sockets.  This helps the tripod hold as much weight as possible.  Plus, it makes the Focus more of a professional accessory (sometimes, being extra confident in your gear comes through in your pictures).  But that also means it adds weight to the tripod itself.  This guy weighs 500g (1.1lbs).  That’s twice as heavy (and twice as expensive) as the next strongest model, the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, and three times heavier than the SLR model.  It might not be a bad thing though.  Extra weight means that your tripod will be more stable and balanced; this Gorillapod should stay put better than the other models because of its weight and sturdiness.  And it’s still a ton lighter than a full sized tripod.

And before you go getting worried about the joints being too stiff, it’s not so.  I’ll say it does take more effort to articulate these legs than other Gorillapods, but I think it’s worth the extra effort to have the extra weight capacity and stability.  Again, not a big deal.

Lastly, it’s perfect for Joby’s new Ballhead X. I can’t think of a better combination; it’s one of the best, easiest and most versatile tripod combos to travel with.

I really can’t say enough good things about the Gorillapod Focus. It’s the type of accessory you carry with you everywhere.  It makes it simple to get in frame at a moment’s notice, and sometimes that’s as long as you have.  It also makes it possible to gain stability from objects around you while shooting video with an extra heavy camcorder, or for extra steady pictures with a larger DSLR.  As far as I’m concerned, there are decreasingly few reasons to prefer a regular tripod over a Gorillapod.  You just can’t match the versatility and compactness of a Gorillapod.

Read [Appletell reviews Joby’s Ballhead X]

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Macintosh / Apple Hardware, Peripherals, Reviews

Provides: Camera placement and support for tripods
Developer: Joby
Minimum Requirements: Tripod, camera
Price: $69.99
Availability: Now

You already have a tripod, maybe even a Gorillapod Focus.  All that’s left is the head.  A ballhead is a great choice because of its ability to change angles quickly and easily. Joby now has a new ballhead in their line: the Ballhead X. It’s a great ballhead all around, and one of the best accessories you can buy for your Gorillapod Focus or other tripod.

The Ballhead X is named for its X shaped detachable mounting plate.  I really have no idea why it’s X shaped instead of rectangular, but it looks nice and functions just as well.  It’s not really a quick release plate, though it’s advertised as such.  Typically, quick release snaps in and out of place in no time.  This, instead, tightens into place with the help of a knob. If it means anything to you, it’s Arca-Swiss system compatible.  It will take longer than a standard quick release system, so you’ll have to evaluate if an extra second or two is a problem for you.

One potentially nice feature of the way this system works is that it’s possible to slide your camera left and right or back and forth (depending on orientation) with less than full tightness from the knob that secures the plate in place.  While I wouldn’t depend on that functionality too much, it can be useful for tiny adjustments.  After the plate is attached to your camera and seated in the ballhead, just twist the knob to hold it in place.  Now, you’re ready to shoot.

Fully posable.  That’s a term that was synonimous with awesome toys when I was a kid, and it’s no different now.  The Ballhead X is fully posable.  It’s awesome.  You can tilt it in all directions to get just the right angle for your shot.  There’s a cutout on the sleeve for the ball for perfectly 90 degrees (assuming your tripod is level).  Getting the specific angle you desire is child’s play.  There’s a giant knob that controls the friction against the ball; just twist to loosen or lock in place.  It works superbly.

And while most ballheads would be happy with themselves thus far, the X Ballhead isn’t done with its feature list yet.  There’s one more knob that controls panning, completely indepentent of tilting.  You can pan your camera or camcorder smoothly by loosening the lowest knob while retaining the angle at which your camera is pointing relative to the ground.  This panning joint comes complete with degree markers.  This makes it much easier to uniformly space out a series of images to later be combined into a panorama.  Just take an image every so many degrees, say 30.  You could also just leave this knob loose to follow action along one axis.  This single feature could elevate this ballhead from good to great for many potential buyers.

Everything on the Ballhead X is knob driven.  You twist a knob to loosen or tighten the mounting plate, ball joint and panning joint.  All knobs are appropriately sized for their amount of usage.  They have smooth action and are easy to use.  I really appreciate how nice the largest knob is.  It controls the ball joint.  The rubber is easy on your fingers and very grippy, and once you tighten that knob, your camera isn’t going anywhere.  It’s rated to hold 5kg (11lbs), and not just straight up.  If you’re having problems getting this ballhead to not drift, you likely also have camera-related back problems, as well.  For everyone else, this thing is like a tank without any fuel—it’s sturdy and going nowhere.

There are really only two things possibly missing from this ballhead: a level and a quick release.  I don’t mind not having a level, but I’m sure some photographers would consider this important. There also isn’t a true quick release.  This would be more of a problem if you intend to use the ballhead with a tripod other than a Gorillapod.  A quick release mechanism is designed to allow a photographer to detach his or her camera from a tripod quickly to take handheld shots.  A Gorillapod is easy enough to pick up and shoot while on the bottom of your camera since it’s both light and small.  (Then again, if you have it attached to something like a pole, I can see where you might desire the quick release again.)  The knob release isn’t super quick, but I wouldn’t say it’s slow.  Not a real problem, just something to be aware of.

The X Ballhead is a worthy addition to Joby’s incredible line of products.  It’s an extrememly well-built ballhead for any tripod, but it truly shines when matched up with a Gorillapod Focus.  The Gorillapod Focus, X Ballhead combination is quite possibly the best tripod kit you can carry with you.  It’s compact, relatively light, durable, sturdy and incredibly functional.  But even if you don’t use a Gorillapod, the X Ballhead is still a great choice among ballheads for its ease-of-use and ability to pan and tilt independently.

Read [Appletell reviews the Gorillapod Focus]

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