As you may be aware by now, all of us here at Skatter Tech strongly recommend buying a protective case for your phones and other expensive gadgets.  Spending a couple bucks is well worth the investment.  Today I’ve reviews of two new cases for the iPhone 3G and 3GS by OtterBox. The Commuter and the Commuter TL are both are quite similar, but have a few differences, keep reading to find out which one’s right for you.

Installation – 5/5 stars
Some cases that I’ve come across have been a pain to install. For example the Griffin Wave even ended-up scratching my iPhone. Both the Commuter and Commuter TL are truly easy to install. It took less than a minute to place my iPhone into the silicone sleeve then attach the hard case onto it. I was a little worried that the silicone might tear when the plastic portion was going on, but it went on just fine with some caution. OtterBox also includes a screen protector with both the Commuter and the Commuter TL. It’s a decent screen protector, but it does slightly reduce the screen’s sensitivity.

Protection & Usability – 4/5 stars
The OtterBox Commuter and Commuter TL cases offer great protection all around the phone. Unlike most cases, both offer protection of the power button, dock connection, volume control buttons, and the headphone jack. The only parts which are left open are the silent switch, the speaker, the microphone, and the camera. Adding a cover for the dock connector was a great idea since it almost always gathers dust and lint. Unfortunately that also means that your iPhone won’t fit into any docks while this case is on. Doing the same for the headphone jack was great idea as well, but will definitely take two hands to get the headphone cable in. I found that the volume and power buttons were even easier to use since they bulged out even more. The ringer switch was the only one that was a bit difficult to use since the case around it was a bit too thick. For the most part, both cases are functional.

There are a couple of differences between the two models. The Commuter has a cutout for the Apple logo which reduces protection, but the Commuter TL covers it with a plastic window. The Commuter’s hard case extends onto the side of the device for additional protection, while the Commuter TL only goes from the top to the bottom on the back side. The Commuter has a solid colored hard plastic shell while the Commuter TL has a transparent one. Although I would have appreciated protection over the Logo on the Commuter and protection on the sides for the Commuter TL, they are still some of the most rugged cases I’ve used. Plus they don’t look bad either.

Verdict
Overall the OtterBox Commuter and OtterBox Commuter TL are both now my favorite cases. Unfortunately each one has one flaw in protection such as the huge hole on the back or no hard case to cover the sides, but they both are still great choices. The Commuter is only available in Black, but the Commuter TL is now offered in Black Blue, Green, Pink, Red, White and Yellow. If you are looking for a case, I’d definitely recommend picking up one of these. The Commuter and Commuter TL are available for purchase now for about $35 and $30, respectively.

Buy: OtterBox Commuter Cases for $20-$30
Links: OtterBox.com Commuter | TL

Installation – 4/5 stars
Some cases I’ve come across have been quite a pain to install. Placing the iPhone 3GS into the OtterBox Impact Case takes just a few seconds. The silicone case easily stretches to let the device slide in. The Screen Protector wasn’t too difficult to install. Just clean the screen with a microfiber cloth first, then wipe it down with the cloth they provide to clear off any lint.I aligned and placed the screen protector onto the display from the top to bottom. A few large air pockets got caught in between, but they weren’t to difficult to push out with the included “application card.” Afterward just peel off the remaining layer.

Screen Protector – 4/5 stars
It’s quite tricky to find the right type of screen protector for touch screen devices. Although the included OtterBox screen protector looks clean once installed and is a welcome inclusion with the case, it has a few issues. First, visibility of the display is slightly reduced. Second, some of the touch screen’s sensitivity and responsiveness is lost. Third, it doesn’t feel too great on the finger either. We can say for sure it’s better than leaving your screen unprotected, however there are better iPhone screen protectors available. But considering the price of the entire package, it’s reasonable. In the end, you need something that will be durable enough to prevent scratches while being still sensitive enough to use. And that’s exactly what you get.

Protection & Usability – 4/5 stars
The Impact Case protects just about the entire iPhone 3GS. The touch screen display is of course left open. OtterBox also made a poor choice to design a circle cutout for the Apple Logo on the back of the device. I personally thing it looks horrible and just makes room for another vulnerability. Other than those openings, there’s also small incisions made for the dock connector, speakers, the ringer switch, the headphone jack, the earpiece, ambient light sensor, and camera. The volume rocker, power button, and home key are all functional while in the case. One issue was the usability of the home button. In the beginning it was quite easy to press, however after a few days of use, the case covering that portion began to become thinner making it more difficult to click. If there was a small bulge over that area as there is with other buttons covered by the case, that might help. The thickness on the sides of the case were a bit too thin as well. They might be useful to prevent scratching the bezel of the phone from scratches, but not from shock absorption. The silicone is extra thick around the top/bottom ends of the case and is designed in that fashion for a purpose. Those two areas obtrude enough that they would be the first part of the device to touch the ground during a fall. As implied by the name of the product, the case is designed help reduce the impact the iPhone 3G faces if it were to be dropped. And after handling it for a couple days, I definitely feel it will do a good job at what it was intended to do!

Verdict – 4/5 stars
Overall the Impact Case, deserves to be well noted and considered when looking to purchase a new case for your Apple iPhone. The case OtterBox provided us was white, which didn’t go along so well with my Black iPhone. OtterBox offers the case in black as well, so no need to worry. I would recommend sticking with a matching color. In the end, the bottom line is how well it protects your device. The OtterBox Impact Case will go a long way to saving your device from total destruction in the event of a collision. It’s available for purchase at a reasonable price of $19 directly from OtterBox’s website.

Buy: OtterBox Impact Case for iPhone 3G/3GS

Screen Protector – 5/5 stars
Once properly applied, the screen protector looks quite clean. The BlackBerry Tour’s display wasn’t impaired in terms of brightness or visibility as I’ve seen happen with some other ones. It stays on quite firmly and won’t come off unless you actually try to remove it. The main quirk I had was getting a “sticker tab” that was adhered to the screen protector off. It was placed there to help separate the screen protector from the packaging. Unfortunately it leaves behind a fairly nasty residue that took me quite a while to get off. I soon found out that there was yet another layer covering the top of the screen protector as well. It took a second to peel that off and the display now looks marvelous. Plus, it’s thick enough that it should protect the unit’s display from even some of the deepest scratches.

Protection & Usability – 4/5 stars
The Impact Case protects just about the entire BlackBerry Tour. The only major area that is left exposed would be the display and keyboard. There are perfectly crafted cutouts made for the earpiece, LED indicator, headphone jack, micro USB, and an opening for the camera. The volume toggle, speaker, camera capture button, voice command key, and the two buttons on top are all designed to function while in the case. The thickness of the silicone on the sides might be adequate enough for preventing scratches, but were too thin to reduce the force of a drop. The silicone is extra thick around the top and bottom ends of the case and is designed in that fashion for a purpose. Those two areas obtrude enough that they would be the first part of the device to touch the ground during a fall. As implied by the name of the product, the case is designed help reduce the impact the BlackBerry Tour faces if it were to be dropped. From the looks of it, the case will definitely help cushion an impact.

Verdict – 4.5/5 stars
Overall the Impact Case, deserves to be well noted and considered when looking to purchase a new case for your BlackBerry Tour. It looks professional, doesn’t ruin the style, and will go a long way to protect your device. It’s also a plus that a screen protector is thrown into the package. And best of all, it’s available for a fairly reasonable price of $19 directly from OtterBox’s website.

Buy: OtterBox Impact Case for BlackBerry Tour

The Proporta Crystal Case feels robust and study when held. Just about all parts of the phone are covered. The top and bottom have been left exposed for access to the headphone jack, hold button, dock connector, and speakers. Other parts left exposed are for the volume cradle, earpiece, and home button. What’s great about the case is that the phone’s display is recessed into the case, so it would hopefully be protected if it were to fall face front. The one thing the case lacks is the inclusion of a screen protector. If Proporta threw one in with the Crystal case, that would have been better deal.

Putting on the case is a snap, it took just a few seconds to quickly sandwich the iPhone between the front and back plates. However removing it from the case is a difficult task. After trying to pry it open and even using the included “removal card tool,” it was still a pain to remove. On the other hand, not being able to easily remove the case might be a good thing. I’m well assured that dropping the phone in the case wouldn’t cause the case to easily split apart or shatter.

Overall, the Proporta Crystal Case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS is a great accessory. If you need a case, we definitely give this one a thumbs up. It’s available for purchase on line for $18.95 before tax and shipping. However as a reader of Skatter Tech you are eligible for a special 10% discount by using the promotional code ‘SKATTERTECH’ (no quotes). What case do you use or recommend? Let us know!

Buy It: Proporta.com – iPhone Crystal Case
Promo Code: SKATTERTECH

Griffin Wave package is composed of a few pieces: back and front pieces which snap together and a screen protector. The first thing I did was attempt to install the screen protector. Immediate reaction: horrible. It was a bit too thick of a plastic which reduced sensitivity, made the screen more difficult to see, and wouldn’t even stay on properly. I hilariously found that the thin sheet of plastic that protects the screen protector while in the packaging to function better.

The next issue that hit was actually getting the case on. The design is a bit flawed due to the way the rear and front piece latch together. Getting them to snap is difficult and I found myself slightly fearful of either breaking the case or scratching my iPhone with the sharp edges of the Wave Case. Once you manage to get it on, it stays on fairly well. The main concern I had then was the overly unprotected area near the volume keys, where a large portion of the iPhone’s body was left exposed.

Finally the case wears too quickly and poorly. When purchased the plastic has a “smoked” or “frosted” look. However after just a week or so of use, that opaque look started to literally shed off. The case scratched too easily making it look like it had gone through years of use.

I find it a bit difficult recommending this for the price tag of $25. There are plenty of other cases available for a similar price, some of which we’ll be reviewing in the coming weeks, which will function a whole lot better. On the other hand if you manage to grab the case for $7.99 including tax and shipping as I managed to from Griffin’s own website, I think that might be an acceptable price. Use the code GRIFFINRTMN09 on “Step 2: Billing & Payment” of Check Out, not any earlier.

Links: Griffin Technology – Wave Case (use code mentioned above)
Buy on Amazon: Griffin Wave for $16

The delicate yet durable feel of the case is a good blend of classiness and strength of protection you would find in any premium quality protective cases. However this particular product boasts a neat little innovative design. The design allows the ability to use your system while still in the case! The workmanship is excellent and seems quite durable. The white stitching works with the black color of the rest of the case, especially since my Aspire One was also white. The case is held together by a magnetic clasp which is a lot nicer than alternative mechanisms such as zippers and velcro straps. The designers of the case were thoughtful when it comes to functionality since they even created pores on the bottom to allow the laptop to “breathe” meaning maintaining cooler temperatures. Although, I wasn’t to wild about the appearance of the ventilation pores, it servers a purpose and in the end goes pretty much unnoticed.

Furthermore, there are various sized pockets suitable for holding a couple of your SD cards as well as a credit card sized pocket. A look behind those reveal an even larger pocket; ideal for holding perhaps a lint-free cloth for maintaining the Acer’s LCD screen while traveling. The careful placement of the cut outs in the leather design provide access to every necessary hardware component. Components such as the track pad, Wi-Fi indicator/switch, and card reader are all accessible through cutouts in the case. I originally assumed a case would make typing difficult, but I instead found the tiny palm rests even more comfortable with the leather covering. The simplicity and compactness makes the case an excellent accessory. There is always a slight addition of bulk with any case, but this case was just the right balance from providing enough protection without too much extra baggage.

Conclusion:
Proporta’s Leather Case for the Acer Aspire One is affordable and durable. Prior to reviewing this product I was using a generic polyester case for portable DVD players. The substantial difference was the fact that I would no longer need to create a commotion during a class lecture to take out my laptop with a noisy zippers, which is definitely a thumbs up on Proporta’s magnetic clasp design. If you are in the market for a case for your netbook and enjoy the leather look, this accessory is a great choice. And if you are conscious of animal rights, Proporta delivers this to you animal parts-free! And as a bonus, as a reader of Skatter Tech, you are entitled to a 10% discount. Just enter the code “skattertech” (no quotes) during checkout. In addition Proporta provides a Lifetime Warranty on this product!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Links: Proporta.com

Skatter Tech recently got a hold of Proporta’s Alu-Leather Case and Advance Screen Protector for the Creative ZEN. I put them to the test right away by carrying it around to see how well the Proporta accessories would protect my gizmo. I was quite pleased as the case was quite rigid while it maintained a fairly fancy look and the screen protector adhered and fit the screen perfectly. The Creative ZEN digital audio player slides into the case and is held in place by to well padded clamps. The case is enclosed by a strong flap which is fastened with a magnetic clasp. A lightweight yet strong aluminum sheet is embedded into the leather both on the bottom and top flaps to provide additional support. Proporta provides an attachable belt clip which can be easily removed if you don’t plan on using it. The headphone jack and the USB port have been left open therefore listening to music and/or charging the device won’t be a problem. No functionality of the ZEN is lost and even the SD card slot is reachable without having to remove the device from the case.

The Advance Screen Protector for the Creative ZEN has been pre-cut exactly to fit the square around the screen. Although the protector achieves its goal of guarding the screen, it fails to cover any other portion of the top of the player such as the controls. Proporta provides a cleaning cloth and a application card in the packaging so that the screen protector can be applied easily and properly. The main issue we faced was the fact that screen clarity is lost due to the graininess of the plastic sheet. Although it isn’t a problem for browsing through music, it can become very irritating if you plan to watch videos.

The leather case and screen protector are available for purchase from Proporta’s website for $34.95 and $9.95, respectively. However by using the coupon code “skattertech” (no quotes) during checkout you’ll get a 10% discount bringing the price of both items to just $40.41. Overall we were quite satisfied with both these products, however if you own a Creative ZEN and you feel you know of a better way to protect your device, please let us know by replying in the comments.

Links: Proporta Alu-Leather Case | Advance Screen Protector
Coupon Code: skattertech

I recently reviewed Proporta’s screen protector for the iPod Touch, which I highly recommended all owners to purchase. Although that was good step towards protecting your iPod, it won’t be able to protect the other parts of the device from rough handling or drops. This is where Proporta’s Leather Case for the iPod Touch plays a role. The iPod touch slides in and the case’s clamps hold the device in place and it’s actually quite durable. As the implied in the title with the word “Alu-,” Proporta has actually embedded a strong lightweight aluminum sheet in between the leather layers to protect the iPod Touch even further. The case will be able to protect the iPod Touch from a fairly good amount of pressure. Proporta also includes a belt clip which can easily be removed. All ports and buttons are accessible and no functionality will be lost. As seen in the picture, the bottom is left open so headphones can connected even if the case has been closed.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good idea to spend a few bucks to protect your $300-400 investment. Especially since it is something you’ll be carrying around with you everywhere you go. Purchasing a screen protector to go along with this case will offer just about all the protection you can get without loosing usability. If you aren’t a fan of leather cases, take a look at our review of iFrogz’s Silicone Case. Anyways the Alu-Leather case by Proporta is available for purchase on their website. It will cost you $45.95 USD, however you’ll receive a 10% discount if you use the promotion code “skattertech” (no quotes) during checkout. If you know of any better products or have a case you would like us to review, please leave us a comment or send us an email.

Links: Proporta Alu-Leather iPod Touch Case
Promotion Code: skattertech

Every once in a while you stumble over a product that is so marvelous you wonder if you’ve actually discovered the holy grail. A creation that offers something for everyone, and at a price that is affordable. It’ll suit you whether you’re a neophyte or a connoisseur. Fortunately for us, one of those little gems has come to our attention recently from a small company in California. EarPeace Technologies presents us with the Livewires in ear monitors.

EarPeace Technolgies has taken up the task of producing a custom molded in-ear monitor (IEM) for the masses. Traditionally worn by (and only affordable for) professional artists on stage during concerts, the Livewires have opened a segment of the audio market for many who can appreciate the sound quality and comfort that custom molded earphones have to offer. Custom molded IEM’s offer improved comfort over normal universal headphones. Even though a plethora of different tips made of different materials and different shapes are available for standard headphones, a significant amount of people still discover comfort issues with those. While the fit of universals may work for some, it frequently becomes fatiguing after a period of time. Livewires seem to disappear once you insert them in your ears. In my experience I’ve worn them for over eight hours without experiencing any comfort issues. A custom molded IEM offers all of the noise isolating and sound quality properties of a normal universal IEM, yet also offers a level of comfort no universal IEM can achieve. Livewires are EarPeace’s first forray into the audio market and it looks like they have a strong chance of being rookie of the year.

Purchasing a set of Livewires isn’t as simple as going to your local white box store and ringing them up at the register. Since Livewires are custom molded, there are a few steps involved in making a purchase. The first step would be to contact EarPeace Technologies or one of their distributors (list included at the bottom). The folks over at Livewires are all very friendly and will help you accordingly with your inquiry. They’ll eventually refer you to a local audiologist to have impressions of your ears made. The appointment normally only takes around 15 minutes. The impression material is thick goop that feels strange, but doesn’t cause any discomfort during the procedure. Once you have your impressions the next step would be to ship them over to EarPeace Technologies. They’ll have your Livewires made at their lab and you should have your brand new set of headphones within a few weeks.

The emphasis on Livewires is their customability, and that certainly doesn’t stop with just the fit. Livewires are offered in a multitude of different color configurations. The ear piece itself is constructed of a shell (molded part that goes into your ear) and the faceplate (visible while wearing and where the cable plugs into). Faceplate color options include red, blue, black, dark brown, tan, white, and clear. I opted for their standard configuration of red and blue. Another neat custom feature on Livewires are the replacable cables. Should Livewires ever release a new cable or if you need a replacement for a torn cable, the cables are easily detachable from the ear pieces. Sound-wise, the Livewires are simply shocking. Livewires utilize a dual balanced-armature driver design to produce a very crisp and clear sound. Outstanding seperation and articulation are some of the strong points you will immediately notice when listening to Livewires. Seeing as how this is a dual driver design, each earpiece has one high frequency driver and one low frequency driver to deliver a more extensive frequency range at a greater quality.

The sound signature of Livewires has a very comfortable characteristic. It’s been described as having a sound similar to another popular high-end IEM (althougn not custom) the Westone UM-2, yet not as warm and improves drastically in the high end range. The overall sound leans towards being a bit warm, yet not too much that it becomes fatiguing. Bass extension is very deep, especially for an IEM. It is also very punchy and tight. It doesn’t sound bloated or muddy, instead offering a nice balance. On the high-end, Livewires offer crisp highs that don’t disappoint. High-hats and other cymbals come through well, although not as strong as the midrange or bass, which are simply phenomenal. Vocals come through extremely well and amazingly accurate. In many test tracks I was able to hear the vocalists taking breaths which had been non-existent in other headphones. Female vocals come through better than male ones, although both have that wow factor. A universal flaw among IEM’s is their tendancy to not have much sound stage. Due to the design, IEM’s have a difficult time representing a larger concert hall and seem very narrowly focused. It was a great shock to me as the Livewires appeared to produce a significant amount of soundstage. Granted, it isn’t what you’d experience with a quality full-sized headphone, it is prevalent and a welcome trait.

Applications-wise Livewires aren’t really “custom,” but universal! The sound they offer meets the stringent requirements of professional artists and is used during live concerts and monitoring. Their compact size makes them an easily portable source of high end audio for those on the go. Business travellers have found use for Livewires during commutes in public transportation or aircraft since Livewires isolate outside noise well. Audiophiles will appreciate a custom monitor at a low price with quality sound. Also garage bands and other small groups now have the option of a high quality monitor at an affordable price. Where Livewires unfortunately fall short is the package. Included with Livewires is a carrying case, cleaning tool, and short manual. The case isn’t asthetically pleasing at all and is bulky for an IEM case. The initial presentation isn’t very exciting, although it says nothing about the sound.

One quirk that Livewires do have is their very high sensitivity. Since they need to meet the high standards demanded by professional artists they have a high sensitivity that is able to pick up the noise created by cheaper amplifiers in many portable audio players. A slight hiss will be audible with many portable music players, although it isn’t noticable once playing music in most cases (unless your audio player has a REALLY cheap amplifier). The earlier iPod generations will exhibit this hiss, although the 5th gen and up don’t really have an issue. Another little quirk is that since the Livewires are so accurate, if you’re listening to a lower quality recording (128kb MP3 for example) you’ll notice it. Livewires will reveal the improvements of better compressed quality encoding (such as 320kb mp3).

Compared to the competition, Livewires maintain an ultra-low price and a very competitive sound. Normally, a custom molded IEM will cost over $600. EarPeace Technologies is offering Livewires at an astounding $249 including shipping. That price should come out to around $300 after audiologist ear impression fees and shipping fees. While overall cost may seem like a significant amount for headphones, Livewires are a high quality product and the sound they produce are well worth it.

Links: EarPeace Technologies (LiveWiresForYou.com)
Distributors: Todd the Vinyl Junkie (USA) | Jaben Networks (ASIA) | Soundcat (ASIA)

It’s been about three months since Apple first announced the iPod Touch and at this point just about all the major accessory makers have begun to ship out their products. We just got a hold of iFrogz’s iPod Touch case called the Treadz. The silicone sleeve fits the iPod Touch neatly and leaves openings for the screen, ports, and buttons. I’m not going to say that this is necessarily the best case, but I do highly recommend purchasing some sort of protection for your $300-400 iPod Touch.

The iFrogz iPod Touch Treadz protects the entire iPod Touch, but unfortunately leaves the entire touch screen unprotected. To solve that issue, I would recommend purchasing Ifrogz’s Protective Screen Film which will prevent the screen from getting scratched or collecting dust. The other openings for the hold button, dock connector, and headphone jack are the exactly the right sizes so there’s not much room for physical damage to occur through those areas. The only other major opening is the circle below the screen to allow access to the “Home” key. Reaching the key was a bit difficult since the silicone case is fairly thick around that area and will especially be a problem for those with large hands. Despite that there weren’t any other usability issues with the iFrogz Treadz.

The case is only available in black at this time, but despite this it matches the style of the iPod Touch quite well. Another thing that I liked about the case was the fact that iFrogz didn’t place their branding all over the device as many other accessory vendors usually do. Instead the the text “iFrogz” is cleanly written on the sides, which doesn’t take away from the look and feel of the case. The case wasn’t all perfect. Ifrogz seems to have forgotten to leave an opening for the ambient light sensor at the top. So if you are using this case, the Auto Brightness option will probably be rendered useless. The folks over at iFrogz have just notified us that their cases now do have an opening for the ambient light sensor, so ignore our previous comment. Other than that, we didn’t really find any other major flaws. Everything worked as it should. For the most part, iFrogz’s Treadz will do an excellent job of protecting the iPod Touch from small falls as well as regular wear and tear.

The iFrogz iPod Touch Treadz case is available for purchase for $19 on iFrogz’s website. A protective film to protect the screen, which we highly recommends, will run you another $3. Follow the link provided below to buy your own iFrogz case for your 8GB/16GB Apple iPod Touch.

Links: iFrogz Treadz | Protective Screen Film
Related: Other iPod Touch Cases

Following up with a tradition of excellence, Shure Inc. introduces us to their latest in ear monitor (IEM), the SE110. Priced fairly reasonably, the SE110 aims to pick up where the aging and now discontinued E2c left off. It also introduces a new low-end product for Shure’s general consumer “SE” series since the “E” designation is now being used for professional IEM models.

Shure SE110 Specifications:

• Speaker Type: Balanced MicroSpeaker
• Sensitivity (1mW): 113 dB SPL/mW
• Impedance (1kHz): 27 Ω
• Frequency Range: 22Hz – 17.5kHz
• Cable Length: 18 in (54 in w/ extension)
• Colors: Available in Black and White

The Shure SE110 utilizes a single dynamic driver design that is capable of a frequency range from 22Hz – 17.5kHz. This isn’t the most impressive frequency range for an audio enthusiast, but it is very sufficient for many people. All of this technical wonder is contained within a clean and good looking housing that is available in either black or white. Also included with the SE110’s is Shure’s classic package of many different tips to fit the plethora of ears that these IEM’s might satisfy. Shure provides a set of rubber and foam tips in sizes small, medium, and large with their package to help obtain a greater seal while maintaining a good level of comfort. A helpful cleaning tool is also included in the package to keep out any ear wax that may have entered the headset. In order to protect and not lose these accessories, Shure provides a soft and thin profiled case to carry your headphones and extra sleeves around. The case is nothing special, but it serves its purpose and even has a carabiner to attach onto a backpack.

With the most important aspect of any headphone being sound, Shure’s SE110’s perform quite well at their price level. The dynamic driver provides plenty of bass impact for all genres of music as well as a warm sounding midrange. Seeing as how this is the low-end model of Shure’s SE lineup, the SE110 does lack in bass extension and the definition of its highs. Either way, it’s certainly an improvement over the last generation’s tinny sounding E2c earphones.

The SE110’s main strong-point is their mid-range. The mids on the SE110 are defined well and are certainly not lacking in their fullness. While they aren’t as articulate and separated as other IEM’s it doesn’t feel jumbled together either. Shure puts a warm emphasis on the mid-range giving them a more forward feeling and sound. While the mid-range comes across well with the SE110’s the bass and high-end are somewhat lacking. One thing the SE110 offers is a strong bass impact (the oomph!). In some cases it might feel overwhelming. While the bass impact is strong, the extension of the bass into the lower frequencies suffers. In many of the selected test tracks, other IEM’s were able to bring out the details of the lower bass frequencies that the SE110’s had difficulty displaying. The high-end on the SE110 also lacking. The emphasis on the high-end quality doesn’t seem to be there just yet. Cymbals felt empty with no punch behind them and certain highs in different pieces couldn’t be brought out at all.

Despite the SE110’s shortcomings, at this price-point of just $99 (MSRP is $119) and product line placement, it carries a pretty good value. (Available in stores and online now!) The majority of users purchasing the SE110 will probably be taking a good first step into the high end audio world and the SE110’s won’t be disappointing. If you wish for something a step better you may also be interested in the Shure SE210 Earphones. In the future, however, it will be worth upgrading to higher-end IEM’s whether they be from Shure or other manufacturers such as Westone, Ultimate Ears, and Etymotic.

Buy Now: Shure SE110 Earphones – $79! (free shipping + no tax)
Links: Shure SE110 Headphones | Shure.com
Related: Shure SE210 Earphones Review

We recently got a hold of the “CORE” green laser pointer from the folks over at Wicked Lasers and we’re quite impressed. It was probably the brightest laser pointer I had seen. According to Wicked Lasers, this model should be visible over 10,000 feet away (during a clear night). Green lasers are naturally over 50x brighter than red lasers since the human eye is more sensitive to it. The Core model outputs the green laser at 5mW (milliwatts), which is the maximum allowed under U.S. regulations. (100% Legal!)

As I mentioned, this was the closest thing I had seen to a true “laser beam”. When I tested it outdoors at night, a good portion of the beam was clearly visible due to moisture in the air. We compared it to another red laser of the same milliwatt output and close to nothing was visible. Although this is one of the least powerful green laser produced by Wicked Lasers, it is still quite dangerous. It is important to be cautious since direct exposure from close distances can permanently damage the eye. You will also find safety warnings on standard red laser pointers found in most office supply and electronic stores, but these aren’t nearly as dangerous or powerful.

If for some reason 5mW isn’t enough for you, Wicked Lasers sells green lasers with outputs reaching up to 300mW. (Once again ours was just 5mW) We wouldn’t recommend playing around with anything higher than the Core. If you purchase one handle it cautiously, don’t give it to children, or people unaware of its potential. If you want a better idea of how powerful these can get, the following are some examples of what each milliwatt range they can do: (So yes, they can burn and melt stuff!)

• 15-35mW: beam visible at night, in smoke, and in foggy areas.
• 55-75mW: 15 mile range, beam visible in lighted areas, melt trash bags, and stings skin
• 95-125mW: 50 mile range, pop air balloons, light matches, and melt plastic/rubber
• 200-300mW: 100 mile range, Tesla technology, and can even lights cigars

Getting back to the Core model, it runs on two standard AAA batteries for up to 90 minutes. The lifespan of the laser itself is expected to be somewhere around 5,000 hours of use. The one small drawback we noticed was the fact that using this pointer for over 3 minutes continuously could cause the insides to overheat therefore sacrificing the laser diode’s lifespan. Either way 3 minutes is a pretty long time to be pointing at something, plus it’s a great improvement over older lasers which were even shorter.

Red lasers are the most widely available, however green laser pointers are becoming much more common and cheaper. Just for a rough idea, just about 10 years ago a red laser would have cost nearly $100. As for the CORE by Wicked Lasers, it is available online for just $35. Wicked Lasers even provides a 12 month warranty with the unit and throw in a hard case, so there’s not much to worry about. Having a green laser for presentations can make things more interesting. If you wish to purchase other higher end models, prices reach over $500.

Links: Wicked Lasers CORE | WickedLasers.com
Related: TechLasers.com (Wicked Lasers Affiliate)

Apple released the new 2nd generation iPod Shuffle last month. Many have complained that the unit is too small, making it quite easy to drop. Although the shuffle has been proven to withstand occasional drops, since it is an item that is constantly handled, we still would recommend purchasing a case. Proporta was generous enough to provide Skatter Tech with three of the iPod Shuffle cases they recently released: steel sleeve, crystal sleeve, and silicone sleeve. (continue reading for a 10% off coupon code)

Protection:
All three of the cases protect the front and sides of the iPod Shuffle. In addition, the crystal and silicone sleeves protect the top and bottom. The silicone sleeve is the only one of the three that also protects the click-wheel. The steel sleeve has an inner lining of foam to prevent scratching the unit and is the strongest. Despite this, we would still rate the silicone sleeves to offer the best protection for your iPod Shuffles.

Design:
The steel sleeve has a neat and tight fit around the iPod Shuffle giving it a new expensive and stylish look, while the other two do just the opposite. The clear crystal sleeve looks a bit cheap, easily traps dust, and shows scratches. The silicone sleeve captures even more dust and has a considerably large Proporta logo on the front, destroying the simplicity. Of the three the steel sleeve is, by far, the best looking case.

Currently available colors. Steel: black, blue, chrome, green, pink, purple, red, silver, and white. Crystal: black, blue, clear, pink, and red. Silicone: black, blue, pink, and white.

Usability:
All cases have openings to allow access to all necessary buttons and ports. Although the cases don’t affect the actual usability of the Shuffle, they do create one major flaw. Because the sleeves wrap around the iPod, they no longer can be placed into the provided dock unless removed. Removing the case constantly may become somewhat of a hassle for those constantly sync or charge their iPod Shuffle. We do not know if it is possible due to the current design of the dock, but Proporta should consider including some sort of adaptor to save users the trouble.

Although the silicone sleeve does the best job of protecting the iPod, our favorite case was the steel sleeve. We suggest purchasing some type of case for the Shuffle since it’s so tiny. Each of the three models will cost $8.95. Although it may seem a bit expensive for such a small piece of material, it’s still a good price considering the $80 iPod it protects. Unfortunately the cases are currently not available through the online Apple Store, but can be purchased directly from Proporta’s website (proporta.com). Finally (what you’ve been waiting for) since since you have read the Skatter Tech review, you are welcome to use ‘SKATTERTECH’ during checkout for a 10% discount on any of the cases mentioned above.

If you know of any other better cases/sleeves for the 2nd gen iPod Shuffle leave us a note in the comments. Also check back for a review of Proporta’s 2nd gen iPod Nano Case!

Links: Proporta.com | Steel | Crystal | Silicone
Coupon Code: SKATTERTECH (10% discount)
Related: Agent 18 iPod Nano Shock Shield

Last year we tested out the Agent 18 Shield for the original iPod Nano, which was prone to scratches, and were quite pleased with the results. Agent 18 was kind enough to provide us with their brand new “NanoShock Kit” (hardcase) designed specifically for the second generation (aluminum) iPod Nanos. Although the new iPod Nanos are more resistant to scratches, they are still pretty flimsy and purchasing a case is good investment.

Protection – 4/5 stars

The two-piece shield snaps onto the back and front of any 2nd generation iPod Nano. The case protects all parts of the iPod, including the entire screen. The case does a good job of protecting the nano; however we wish Agent 18 included some extra material to protect the exposed click-wheel. The top and bottom aren’t protected with what is provided in the NanoShield Kit, however rubber ends are provided in the slightly more expensive NanoShock Kit.

Usage – 5/5 stars
The case was designed well and leaves openings for the hold button, touch-wheel, connector port, and headphone jack for easy use. Agent 18 also provides a special Universal Dock Adapter, shaped to fit the Nano while in its case, for use with standard iPod accessories. The touch-wheel is also is easier to use now that the case surrounds it with a thick border.

Style – 4/5 stars
The polycarbonate case looks pretty good on any 2nd generation Nano and allows to color to bleed through with ruining the look. Except for the clear plastic on the screen (and logo), the rest of the case has a “blurred-look” making scratches less visible. Overall this is one of the best looking hard cases we’ve seen, however it doesn’t look as hot if you plan to use the rubber ends provided for shock absorption in the NanoShock Kit.

Value – 5/5 stars
Agent 18 currently offers to models, NanoShield ($20) and NanoShock ($30). The NanoShield comes with the actual 2-piece Polycarbonate Case and Dock Adapter. However for an extra $10 Agent 18 throws in a belt clip, armband, and rubber ends for shock protection. Both packs are very reasonable compared to cases made by other vendors. Agent18 has started to ship these cases and it is available for order from their website.

As we mentioned previously, we have been satisfied with all their products including iPod VideoShield and the original Shield for Nano. If you are extremely worried about damaging your iPod you may want to purchase the $30 model which includes the rubber ends. However the case itself does provide a pretty good amount of protection. We recommend this case since we haven’t had any issues with it other than the fact that the touch-wheel has been left exposed. If anyone knows of a case better than this one, please let us know by replying in the comments.

Links: Agent18 Nano Cases | Agent18.com
Related: Agent 18 Shield For Nano Review (1st Generation)

Other Places To Purchase:
Amazon: CoverShield & ShockShield | Apple Store

Skatter Tech had done a review of the Agent 18 Shield for the Apple iPod Nano back in November 2005. The case was one of the first hard cases for the iPod Nano at the time. The case actually did have a few defects, so Agent18 created a new version of the case. The original version was composed of three pieces: back, top, and bottom. The new case only has 2 pieces: a top and a back piece which snap together. The shield no longer has two lines across the screen, making it look a lot better. The iPod Nano no longer moves around in the case as it did before. Agent18 also includes a adaptor so that the iPod Nano can fit into the Apple Universal Dock while it is still in the case. (will not work with the Nano dock when in the case)

Overall this is a great case and will only cost $20, which is a good investment to protect your $200-250 iPod Nano. There are many new cases that resemble this one. Some include the iSee from CountoureCase and the iClear from Griffin. Both have recieved great ratings, but we never could get a handson review. The only problem with the Agent 18 shield is the fact that it doesn’t cover the click wheel. Anyways the most important part of the the Apple Nano is covered, the screen.

Links: Agent18 Nano Shield v1 Review | Agent18.com
Related: Apple Store | Free iPod Nanos