The IT Nerd

If you have a iPad Mini, Belkin has added the LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini to its lineup of LEGO Builder cases. The new LEGO Builder case adds extra surface area allowing both children and adults to customize their iPad mini and build a colorful mosaic, add a set of wheels or construct a fun scene on their iPad mini – it’s a fun and protective case that people of all ages can enjoy. 

The back of the iPad Mini Builder Case carries an official LEGO baseplate —this is considered the key foundation to the LEGO play experience. The baseplate is made by LEGO factories to LEGO standards and is integrated into the case in a way that’s durable and comfortable for everyday use. Other features of the case include an integrated smart cover with auto-wake feature, a tough polycarbonate casing to protect against scratches and bumps, and full access to buttons and ports.

Belkin LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini (F7N110) – $59.99

• Two-tone palette
• Official LEGO® Base Plate lets you build onto your iPad mini
• Integrated front cover protects screen
• AutoWake magnets wake up your iPad mini when you open the cover
• Cover folds into Cinema Viewing Angle
• Comfortable typing angle
• Protection from scratches and dings
• Allows full access to all buttons and ports
• Camera lens cutout

The Belkin LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini is available now at belkin.com and at select retailers.

It didn’t take long for Belkin to announce accessories for the new iPads. The company unveiled its newest lineup of cases and keyboards designed for iPad Air. Featuring three new Qode keyboard cases, the Apex 360 Advanced Protection Case, and folios created for use on the go or on the couch, Belkin’s collection for iPad Air offers something for everyone and every use.

Belkin’s full lineup of new iPad Air keyboards and cases are as follows:

Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L151) $129.99

• Extremely thin and light aircraft-grade aluminum for premium feel and durable screen protection
• Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
• Three viewing angles with dual neodymium magnets for extra stability
• Keyboard auto on/off; smart sensing technology automatically turns keyboard off when not in use
• Keyboard folds into case for comfortable handheld tablet use
• Rechargeable battery with 264 hours active battery life
• Aluminum body in two colour options: Black and Silver 

Qode Thin Type Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L155) $99.99

• Protective screen cover and Bluetooth® keyboard in one
• Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
• Function and iOS specific keys
• Secure-hold magnets snap seamlessly to iPad
• Two angles for both landscape and portrait viewing
• Rechargeable battery with 79 hours active battery life
• Anodized aluminum body in Silver
• Less than 4mm thin
• Smart sensing technology automatically turns keyboard off when not in use

Qode Slim Style Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L152) $79.99

• Folio-style cover and Bluetooth keyboard in one
• Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
• Innovative stand for multiple viewing angles
• Handheld media mode – keyboard tucks away flat for touch screen use
• Slim, lightweight, stylish design in 5 colours: Black, Red, Topaz, Sorbet and Purple

Apex360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad Air (F7N001) $89.99

Apex360 Advanced Protection Case for Mini (F7N023) $69.99

• Built to surpass U.S Military 6 ft. drop testing
• Reinforced frame creates insulating air pockets for shock absorption
• Contoured  outer shell for secure hold
• Removable magnetic QuickStand pivots for multiple portrait and landscape viewing
• AutoWake magnets
• Clasp closure
• F7N101 available in two colours: Blacktop and Olive
• F7N023 available in two colours: Blacktop and Fuchsia

LapStand Cover for iPad Air (F7N061, F7N065) $59.99

• Patented LapStand™ design keeps iPad steady on lap
• ComfortForm™ material forms to body
• Multiple angles for viewing or typing
• Protective corners and strap closure keep iPad secure
• F7N061 available in Blacktop and Stone microfiber
• F7N065 available in  Charcoal, Red, Cream and Sorbet twill

FreeStyle Cover for iPad Air (F7N100) $59.99

• Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
• Versatile magnetic QuickStand cover folds over for screen coverage, back for portrait or landscape viewing, or detaches altogether for sleek back protection
• Multiple angles for viewing or typing
• Soft-touch finish
• Clasp closure
• Available in Blacktop and Slate

FormFit Cover for iPad Air (F7N054, F7N062, F7N063, F7N066, F7N101) $39.99-$49.99

• Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
• Multiple angles for viewing or typing
• Clasp closure
• F7N054 available in a two-toned palette in Blacktop and Purple
• F7N062 available in a stylish scales pattern in Fuchsia
• F7N063 available in Black, Slate and Lavender
• F7N066 available in a fresh striped pattern in Pink
• F7N101 available in Blacktop and Ink with a single stripe

Classic Strap Cover for iPad Air (F7N053) $29.99

• Classic design in a lightweight, durable fabric
• Thin, tailored fit
• Elastic strap closure
• Available in Black and Rose 

TriFold Cover for iPad Air (F7N056) $39.99

• Soft-touch finish
• Cinema viewing angle and comfortable typing angle       
• Elastic strap closure
• Available in Black, Purple and Bubblegum

MultiTasker Cover for iPad Air (F7N059) $59.99

• Natural grain leather
• Stylus and business card storage
• Multiple angles for viewing and typing
• Magnetic tab closure
• Available in Black, Ink and Rose

Stripe Tab Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N060) $49.99

• Multiple angles for viewing and typing
• Integrated magnetic tab closure
• X-frame design with protective corners keep iPad secure
• Pinstripe pattern for contrasting colour and texture
• Available in Black, Burgundy and Ink 

Dash Tab Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N064) $49.99

• Multiple angles for viewing and typing
• Integrated magnetic tab closure
• X-frame design with protective corners keep iPad secure
• Dash pattern along spine for pop of colour and texture
• Available in Black, Gravel and Sorbet

Quilted Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N073) $39.99

• Stylish quilted design
• Adjustable viewing angles
• AutoWake magnets
• Available in Blacktop, Cream and Ruby

Belkin accessories for iPad Air will be available online at Belkin.com and at select retailers worldwide starting in November. The Apex360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad Mini is available now at Belkin.com and select retailers and will be available for iPad Air in early December.

Planning on getting a Samsung Galaxy 3 Note? You’ll likely need a case and Belkin has you covered. Each of Belkin’s new Galaxy Note 3 cases is designed to protect against scratches and everyday wear and tear, and to provide full access to the phone’s buttons, ports and camera.

Here’s the lineup:

Micra Folio Case (F8M688) – $29.99

• Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
• Soft-touch finish
• Full-coverage scratch protection
• Soft microfiber inner lining
• Full access to controls, ports and camera
• Available in three colours: Blacktop, Rose and Whiteout

FormFit Coverlet (F8M734) – $39.99

• Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
• Soft-touch finish
• Inner pocket holds one card
• Cover folds back flat like a book or journal
• Fitted corner clips to hold device secure
• Full-coverage scratch protection
• Available in four colours: Blacktop, Blue Slate, Lavender and Sorbet

Wallet Folio Case (F8M684) – $44.99

• Natural-grain leather
• Inner pocket holds three cards
• Cover converts to a stand for viewing
• Secure clasp cover
• Soft microfiber inner lining
• Full-coverage scratch protection
• Available in two colours: Black and Canyon

These cases will be available on belkin.com and select retailers worldwide starting in early October.

Belkin today announced the Express Dock for iPad, the first dock with an adjustable dial to make it easier to dock your iPad, iPad 4th generation, iPad mini, iPhone 5/5S/5C or iPod touch 5^th gen, without having to remove its case.

Belkin’s new Express Dock has an adjustable dial integrated to the back of the dock. When turned, the dial raises or lowers the Lightning connector that connects to your iPad so it will work with a variety of case sizes and styles. It makes everyday docking faster and more convenient—even with the case on. To charge or sync your device, simply connect the dock to your computer with USB, or use your existing wall charger to place anywhere you need a charge. It’s $59.99 and is available now from belkin.com.

If you want to play the music off your iPhone as well as give you hands free calling capability in your car, there’s only been a handful of ways to do this. Belkin has been leading the way on this front and with the release of the new iPhones, Belkin didn’t waste any time by releasing the latest versions of their TuneBase in cars connectivity solutions.

Designed for hands-free calling and music playback in cars without built-in Bluetooth®connectivity, TuneBase Hands-Free AUX connects via the car’s auxiliary jack to provide full stereo sound for music or calls. Featuring a stable base to secure the device while on the road, TuneBase Hands-Free AUX also has an adjustable cradle to keep the phone in an ideal position while on the road, which is helpful for GPS navigation.

TuneBase Hands-Free FM has the same functionality as TuneBase Hands-Free AUX, but connects via an FM transmitter powered by the 12-volt outlet for cars without an auxiliary input. TuneBase Hands-Free FM also features Belkin’s exclusive ClearScan technology to automatically search for the best FM signal in the area, making it easier to play music or take calls.

TuneBase® Hands-Free FM (F8J034) – $99.99

• Play music and make hands-free calls using car stereo
• Uses ClearScan technology to locate high-quality FM stations
• High-contrast LCD and two programmable presets
• Cradle swivels horizontally for easy viewing
• Charges mobile device using car’s 12V lighter outlet
• Compatible with iPhone 5, 5S, 5C and iPod touch (5th generation)

TuneBase® Hands-Free AUX (F8J037) – $79.99

• Play music and make hands-free calls using car stereo
• Includes cable to connect to car’s auxiliary input
• Cradle swivels horizontally for easy viewing
• Charges mobile device using car’s 12V lighter outlet
• Compatible with iPhone 5, 5S, 5C and iPod touch (5th generation)

TuneBase Hands-Free FM and TuneBase Hands-Free AUX are available now at Belkin.com and select retailers in Canada.

Belkin had a number of major product announcements at IFA in Berlin this week. So let’s get right to them:

First up is the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC1900 Router.  It offers speeds up to 600 Mbps on Wireless-N and up to 1300 Mbps on Wireless-AC. Linksys is also introducing an AC USB-adapter to upgrade notebooks or desktop computers to the latest standard. These products include Beamforming technology which helps to deliver better network range and faster Wi-Fi speeds in the home. Not only that, they can be installed from most tablets, smartphones or from PC browsers. Consumers simply connect to the router with their device then follow the simple set-up wizard to complete installation. An optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account can be created for easy control of the home network, including settings, connected devices and Smart Wi-Fi tools on virtually any device, anytime, anywhere. The Linksys Wireless-AC USB Adapter (WUSB6300) is available now from Linksys.com and select retailers and the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC1900 Router is planned to be available in stores and online in October. The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi AC 1900 router is $249 MSRP and the Linksys Wireless-AC USB Adapter is $69 MSRP.

Next up is the TrueClear Invisiglass Screen Protectors, an ingenious line of flexible glass overlays that offers nine times the protection against scratches, cracks and shattered screens. Made from 100 percent real glass, Invisiglass’ special polymer material is designed to provide maximum impact resistance and optimal clarity for the best screen protection on the market. Invisiglass’ high-density material provides unbeatable scratch resistance while special FluidFlex technology gives it the flexibility to withstand hard impacts and prevent shatters and cracks. Its breakthrough glass material is 2.5 times smoother than plastic and eliminates drag for a surface that feels and reacts just like a naked screen. Featuring Belkin’s unique TrueClear technology and just 0.2 millimeters thick, Invisiglass is the clearest screen protector on the market. Its 97 per cent transparency and uniform molecular structure help to maximize light diffusion and minimize color distortion for vibrant color, resonance and clarity. Available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4/4S, and Samsung Galaxy S4, you can expect to pay a MSRP of $39.99. With the exception of the Galaxy S4, they’re available now.

Third on the list is  WeMo Insight Switch, which is revolutionizing smart home innovation by allowing users to control and manage the energy usage and costs of home electronics from anywhere through their iOS or Android device. The newest addition to the simple, ingeniousWeMo smart home platform, the Insight Switch is a Wi-Fi enabled compact plug that also allows users to put their devices on a schedule and receive notifications anytime a connected unit is turned on or off. The WeMo Insight Switch plugs directly into an electrical outlet, and then a user simply connects it to the home Wi-Fi network, downloads the free WeMo app and instantly is able to turn any device plugged into the unit on or off using his or her iOS or Android device. WeMo Insight Switch will allow users to put electronics on a schedule, and even time them according to local sunrise and sunset, setup notifications for device usage as well as manage the time, energy consumption and costs of specific devices. The Insight Switch works with IFTTT, an online service that creates triggers using different Internet-based services such as email, weather and social media. Available in October, it will have an MSRP of $59.99.

Finally, there’s the Ultimate Keyboard Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1. The newest addition to Belkin’s extensive tablet keyboard line uses revolutionary aircraft grade aluminium alloy and magnet construction, making it one of the slimmest and lightest keyboard folios for the Tab 3 10.1 on the market, with a keyboard that’s less than 8mm thin. The Ultimate Keyboard Case combines a durable aluminium base with a precise keyboard, all in a compact package which conveniently folds flat to hide the keyboard when watching movies or reading. The Ultimate Keyboard Case uses Smart Sensing technology to automatically turn the keyboard on when you need it, and off when you don’t, saving battery life and giving you instant access to the Tab 3’s onscreen keyboard. Featuring Belkin’s award-winning TruType keys, the Ultimate Keyboard Case provides a smooth, laptop-like experience to enhance typing speed, accuracy and comfort. All ports and buttons are exposed to allow full operation of the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, including charging, and Android-specific shortcut keys provide easy access to all major function keys on the tablet. The Ultimate Keyboard Cases’ Neodymium magnets hold the tablet securely at the exact angle you want it, with no shifting or slipping, and the impressive 6 month active battery life ensures the keyboard will be ready for use wherever and whenever you need it. The Ultimate Keyboard Case for Samsung Tab 3 10.1 will be available in December with an MSRP of $129.99.

Wow! That was lot of news!

If you want a case that will stand out from the rest for your iPhone 5 or iPhone Touch, Belkin has the case for you and it’s called the LEGO Builder case. The back of the Builder Case carries a true LEGO baseplate. The baseplate is made by LEGO factories to LEGO standards and is integrated into the case in a way that’s durable and comfortable for everyday use. Other features of the case include a semi-flexible outer frame for shock-absorption, button protection, and unobstructed access to audio ports and speakers. There are two models available:

Belkin LEGO Builder Case for iPhone 5 – $39.99:

• Iconic LEGO colors
• Official LEGO Base Plate turns your iPhone into a buildable platform
• Flexible, easy-to-grip outer frame
• Protects from scratches and dings
• Slim, form-fitting design
• Full button protection
• Wraparound frame protects screen from scratches
• Allows full access to all controls and ports

Belkin LEGO Builder Case for iPod Touch (fifth generation) – $29.99

• Iconic LEGO colors
• Official LEGO Base Plate turns your iPhone or iPod into a buildable platform
• Protects from scratches and dings
• Slim, form-fitting design
• Wraparound frame protects screen from scratches
• Allows full access to all controls and ports
• Camera lens cutout and lanyard attachment access

To give you an idea of how these cases can be used to do more than protect your iPhone 5 or iPod Touch, take a look at this video:

These cases are available now from Belkin.com and at select retailers.

This is a busy day for Belkin. Hot on the heels of the announcement of Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater Case for iPad 4, comes the announcement of the  Slim Style Keyboard Case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1. The Slim Style keyboards feature well-spaced, responsive keys providing extremely fast typing capabilities and greater accuracy than the tablet’s touchscreen buttons. The keyboard case features function-specific keys that allow users to directly copy and paste text, adjust audio volume and control music tracks.

The Slim Style Keyboard Case is built from high-grade materials for a thin and lightweight finish that only adds 20 ounces of weight and 15 millimeters of thickness to the Galaxy Tab 3 while encasing the tablet in full protection. For maximum comfort, the Slim Style Keyboard Case features an innovative viewing stand that can be adjusted to multiple angles. When not needed for typing, the stand can be folded flat and out of the way, allowing users to seamlessly transition to viewing content on the Galaxy Tab 3 HD screen.

Other key features include:

• Bluetooth keyboard that has over 60 hours of active battery life and more than 2,000 hours of standby battery life
• Comfortable handheld mode for reading and viewing
• Pairs with Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1-inch through Bluetooth wireless technology
• Rechargeable using the included USB to Micro USB cable

The Slim Style Keyboard Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 will be available online at belkin.com and at select retailers. MSRP is $99.99.

Here’s something that will get the attention of audiophiles who have iPads. Belkin has announced the availability of the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater for iPad 4th generation. This is a speaker dock/case that enhances the sound quality of your music, movies and video games. Here’s the key features:

• Lightning connector is compatible with iPad 4th generation
• Integrated front-facing, landscape-oriented stereo speakers
• Ported speakers for rich bass and depth
• Low-distortion, high-efficiency amplifier
• Magnetically attached folding soft cover with multiple stand configurations
• MFi certified
• Pass-through access for iPad rear camera, headset jack, microphone, speaker, charging, lock switch, volume control, and mute/rotation lock toggle

To back up it’s home theater credibility, it’s powered by mobile sound leader, Audifi, and features high-efficiency, front-facing speakers that project cinematic-quality sound. Bass frequencies are optimized through ported speakers and integrated air channels. Using the updated Thunderstorm app, users can automatically maintain the left and right channel audio output even when the Thunderstorm is turned upside down, ensuring undistorted, dynamic sound.

The Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater for iPad 4th generation will be available online at belkin.com and at Future Shop and Best Buy in Canada. MSRP is $199.