Best Microsoft Surface tablet cases and accessories

What kind of cases and covers, or Microsoft Surface accessories are available on the market right now? Join us as we take a look at some great options for the Surface with Windows RT and the Surface with Windows 8 Pro.

If you’ve been tempted by Microsoft’s new Surface tablets then you’ll probably be on the lookout for a new case and maybe some accessories. There’s no denying that the magnesium shell and Gorilla Glass 2 screen look tough – just check out the skateboard demo – but that doesn’t mean you won’t want some protection or a practical bag to carry your shiny new tablet in.

We’re also going to take a look at the options out there for Microsoft Surface accessories. There are a couple of adapters that might prove essential and everyone could use some extra storage. The choices for cases are limited, partly perhaps because the Surface tablet has a built-in kickstand (something that cases and covers often offer) and partly because manufacturers are unsure how popular it will be.

Anyone still undecided about the new tablets should check out our Microsoft Surface with Windows RT review to find out how it stacks up.

Touch Cover ($120)

This super-slim, pressure-sensitive keyboard doubles up as a protective cover. It also has a trackpad and some handy Windows shortcut keys. It snaps into place with a magnetic seal that’s quite strong. It’s great to have a keyboard cover that’s only 3.5mm thick and weighs just 0.46 pounds, but there is a drawback. Most reviews have pointed out that it is uncomfortable to type on because it is so flat and unresponsive. The color choices of cyan, magenta, and red are also going to put some people off, but don’t worry they come in black and white as well.

Type Cover ($130)

It is bigger and it only comes in black, but for serious typists the mechanical keys of the Type Cover are going to be far preferable to the Touch Cover keyboard. It is still only 6mm thick and it weighs 0.55 pounds. It also has the trackpad and shortcut keys and it clicks on with the same magnetic attachment. The Type Cover really makes the Surface feel like a laptop and it’s much easier to get used to than the Touch Cover which makes it well worth the extra $10.

Incipio Padded Nylon Sleeve ($40)

A nylon sleeve isn’t going to offer major protection from bumps, but it will keep dust and scratches at bay. The close-seamed zipper has a neoprene lining and rubberized pulls for ease of use and comfort.  The inner lining is soft, faux-fur which provides some cushioning from bumps and there’s a handy external pocket with a zipper for extras. It comes in a range of two-tone color combinations and it’s one of the few options on the market right now designed specifically for the Surface.

Surface HD Digital AV Adapter or Surface VGA Adapter ($40 each)

If you were expecting to find any extras beyond the power supply in your Microsoft Surface box then you’ll be disappointed. Many will consider these pricey adapters to be essential, and they are described as “proprietary”. For $40 a piece you can get an adapter for any HDMI-compatible display or one for any VGA-compatible display. This is definitely the simplest way to see your Surface content on a big screen or through a projector. Don’t feel that you have to splash out for the official adapter, though, because the Surface has a standard micro-HDMI port so any HDMI-to-micro-HDMI cable will do and if you shop around there’s no need to spend more than $5.

SanDisk microSD Memory Card ($10 to $60)

Since there is actually only 16GB free in a 32GB Microsoft Surface you might be looking for extra storage sooner than expected. The Surface supports microSD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. You can pick one up from Amazon at about $10 for 16GB up to about $60 for a 64GB card. You’ll find the memory card slot behind the kickstand. For cheap storage without any added bulk a memory card is your best bet.

Thumb drive or flash drive ($10 to $60)

The Surface tablets also have a USB port. The RT has a USB 2.0 port and the Surface with Windows 8 Pro has a USB 3.0 port. If you invest in a fast flash drive you’ll be able to transfer files quickly and easily. You can back up emails or documents and you can watch movies or listen to music. These handy accessories are a cost-effective and convenient way to boost your storage capacity and they’re great for transferring files from your old PC or laptop. They come in all shapes and sizes and you can find a comparison via the link above. If you need more space then consider an external hard drive instead.

Bluetooth Headset ($50 to $150)

With support for Bluetooth 4.0 you could choose any Bluetooth headset to use with your Surface. The tablets do have built-in dual digital mics, stereo speakers, and a camera, but some people prefer a headset when they Skype. Whether you want to go for the Plantronics Voyager Legend or something from Jawbone, Motorola, or Aliph, really depends on your requirements and your budget.

Xbox 360 Controller ($40)

All the gamers out there will be glad to learn that the Surface tablet supports wired Xbox 360 controllers. It won’t work with wireless controllers, but just like any Windows PC, if you plug a wired Xbox 360 controller into the USB you’ll be able to play games with it. This is more exciting for the Windows 8 Pro version of the Surface tablet because it will support a lot more games. It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft tries to make XBLA games available as it pushes more cross-compatibility with the Xbox 360 in your living room. The second screen app soon to be released on Windows 8 and RT, Xbox SmartGlass looks like the first step.

More ideas

The fact that the Surface tablets boast USB ports and have Bluetooth support means there is already a long list of potential Surface accessories. There’s no need to wait for a bunch of dedicated accessories to be released. You may well find your existing mouse or Bluetooth headphones will work with your new tablet. Post a comment and tell us about your favorite Surface accessories so far.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/surface-tablet-cases-and-accessories-roundup/

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LG Nexus 4 SIM-free price and colour options possibly revealed

Info leaked left, right and centre

According to a retailer's listing, the upcoming LG Nexus 4 will be available for £389.95 SIM-free in two colour options.

UK retailer Carphone Warehouse looks to be at it again, after listing the Nexus 4 complete with specs on its website yesterday, today there's a screen shot claiming to be from the firm's internal system revealing for details.

According to the snapped screen you'll be able to pick up the LG Nexus 4 in either black or white, for just under £400 (around $645 or AU$625).

Dubious source

The image was tweeted to the guys over at MoDaCo and while the system looks relatively kosher there's no guarantee that it's the real deal.

At just under £400 the LG Nexus 4 would be reasonably priced for a quad-core handset, however this price is always subject to change.

All will be revealed on October 29, when Google takes to the stage in New York where we expect it to uncover the new Nexus smartphone, possible alongside new Nexus 7 tablets and a larger Nexus 10 slate.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lg-nexus-4-sim-free-price-and-colour-options-possibly-revealed-1107560

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So you hate iOS 6 Maps? Here are your best alternative options

There's been heavy backlash to the new Apple Maps, and if you're one of the angry hoards, check out some of the best alternative GPS options available in the App Store.

Now that iOS 6 has forced Google Maps off the… well, map, and infiltrated our home bar with Apple Maps, it’s time we stake some claim over the ecosystem. Word is that Google is trying to get its proprietary maps app out the door and onto the iPhone as quickly as possible, but there’s some holdup. In the meantime, here are a few alternative mapping options that could easily give Apple Maps a run for its money.

MotionX GPS Drive — $0.99

This GPS app has a 4+ rating and features a pretty deep social integration – if that’s something you’re into. You can check-in directly from MotionX GPS Drive as well as use Wikipedia and Local Search directly. There are lots of little extras like a parking spot marker and live compass as well. Now the maps – what actually matter – aren’t really the most aesthetically pleasing. They’re busy and a little childish-looking, but they get the job done: The app has live traffic maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, and active lane guidance for confusing routes. 

MapQuest – Free

Mapquest is a veteran (albeit an ailing one) of the mapping market. That said, its app has been a popular one even before Apple Maps came in and blew the door wide open for new competitors. Its turn-by-turn functionality won it plenty of users even when Google Maps had top billing, and its price – free – made it a popular choice among more expensive options. The app also has live traffic integration, re-routes you in real-time if need be, and while the maps aren’t as easy-on-the-eyes as Google or Apple Maps, they are fairly familiar and do a good job cutting down on clutter and keeping things simple and clean.

Waze – Free

You may have heard the name Waze mentioned a handful of times within the last few days: The social maps platform has been working with Apple on iOS 6’s Maps, and apparently, has some not-so-flattering things to say about the new product. But all that aside, Waze has made a name for itself as an iPhone GPS alternative. It includes real-time traffic information, route learner (so it knows your common destinations,) and even a feature that finds you the cheapest gas on your trip. The UI isn’t going to win many style points, but it’s hey — it’s free and feature-full, so you’ll have to take what you can get.

GPS by Telenav — Free

First things first: If you’re used to the clean-cut look of Google Maps, you’ll have to forgive this app’s cartoonish look. After you’ve gotten over this hurdle, start looking a little deeper below the surface. Turn-by-turn directions, cheap gas spots, and traffic info are all here. It’s a fairly simple little app, but the location plotting should be more accurate.

Garmin Street Pilot — $0.99

Garmin brings you quite a bit in this affordable app. In addition to 3D imaging, turn-by-turn, and social network check-ins, the app also has public transit information available for major metropolitan areas. This is arguably the biggest flaw in new Apple Maps feature, and luckily most of us can use this to replace that serious oversight. Of course, there are subscription fees enforced after your first 30 day of use, but if you’re seriously missing the functionality but loving the look of Apple Maps, Street Pilot might be worth the extra buck.

Forever Map by Skobbler — $2.99

The Skobbler platform uses the OpenStreetMaps for its data set, a company that’s been getting increasing attention for the work it’s doing with mapping the world we know. Forever Map is the premium version of what the Skobbler team has been able to do with all that information. Maps load incredibly quickly, and you can save maps as well, so no more worrying about losing directions during travel (an especially big coup for international travelers). The maps themselves look rather plain and ordinary, but it’s an upgrade from some of the child-oriented products we’ve seen.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/so-you-hate-ios-6-maps-here-are-your-best-alternative-options/

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