shownotes_MCM20111128

My Favorite Accessories
  Some of the things that I rely on to help make my Apple life work.
STM Bags
  Specifically the "Loft". Brown with orange leather accents (yeah, very hipster)
  They don't make it anymore, but they have a very similar one called the "Alley"
  I like the balance between size of the bag and the amount of stuff it can hold
    Keeps my 15" Macbook Pro and an iPad 2
    case with all my small accessories
    Power adapter and cable. Portable power strip
    Few cables and video adapters
    Moleskine, pencil, cards (in cell phone pouch on strap)
    Room for some papers in the zippered pouch on the back, sometimes a magazine.
    In a pinch, extra cables and stuff in the "flap" pouch.
  Vertical orientation gives access to the iPad or Macbook while it's still on my shoulder.
    Has a handle if you prefer to hand carry it.
  Has lasted incredibly well
    Not sure on the Alley as the materials are a little different
    Lifetime warranty
  Price: $44.95 USD
Matais iRizer
  Laptop stand, $39.95 USD
  2 piece design that folds completely flat for travel
  1 piece fits into slots in the other that allow for 4 different angles depending on the slot
    20, 30, 40, or 50 degrees
  I use it mainly as a desktop stand to lift the Macbook pro to better desktop height.
    Also good for travel to put at a better angle for typing on the notebook
    does have a little "bounce" which I don't like
  The way the Macbook Pro rests in the stand it elevates it off the desktop and has space so you get better airflow and cooling
  Came with a "Mini Riser" which works for an iPod or iPhone. I don't use it too much, but may be handy for some.
  They also have an iPad version, but the laptop one also kind of works for an iPad
Apple Wireless Keyboard
  Versatile, portable keyboard. $69.00 USD
  Bluetooth, so works with all my devices
    Need to completely remove from the Macbook before the iPad will see it.
  Small and very portable
Incase Origami Workstation
  Protector and case for Apple Wireless keyboard, $29.95 USD
  Covers and protects my keyboard.
  little extra edge helps me avoid pressing the power on button when sliding in my bag
  Plastic clips securely hold the keyboard via the battery "bump"
  Top has a couple "score" points that let it fold around and convert into a stand for the iPad
  The same velcro tabs that hold the case closed over the keyboard also hold the cover in the stand position.
  iPad can orient in portrait or landscape
  Wish it offered more angle adjustment.
  Seems a bit pricey for what it is. Too early to speak of durability.
Apple Battery Charger
  Small and well designed, $29.00 USD
  Comes with 6 AA batteries, so I can easily cycle between my Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and a set in the charger
  Goes into a minimal "low power" mode when done charging.
  Batteries retain a charge when being stored. Apple claims up to 80% after a year.
  Easily fits into a bag for travel.
  I ordered additional Sanyo Eneloop NiMH batteries. 2000mAh (amp-hour)
    Now have Eneloop XX, which are 2500mAh
Mophie Juice Pack Plus
  Always in my bag for extra juice. $99.95 USD
  2000 mAh (amp-hour) battery for the iPhone 4 and 4S\Can full recharge the device and then some
  Can keep it on the device and use it.
  Sync and charge while attached with micro USB cable.
  Power indicator and on-off switch.
  Printer friendly colors.
RadTech ScreenSavrz and Sleevz
  Microfiber fabric laptop sleeve and pad (to cover keyboard)
  ScreenSavrz, $16.95 USD and Sleevz, $24.95 USD
  Seems expensive, but worth every penny and they last
  Protects the screen from keyboard imprints and the outer case when carrying in a bag.
  The microfiber ScreenSavr sheet is good for wiping off screen too.
iKlear Microfiber "Terry" Cloth
  Cleaning cloth that I use for my laptop and iPad. $9.95
  I prefer these to the "chamois" ones because the extra texture seems to get the grease off better
  I got a "sample" portable sized one, but also bought the "standard" size.
  I don't generally use the sprays, in a rare case. Always spray the cloth, not the device.
  I do carry the travel singles in my laptop bag. Handy when this get particularly grimy.
  Good for cleaning keyboard and exterior case too. (power off and remove batteries)
Belkin Power Accessories
  Mini Surge with USB Charging
    3 power ports and 2 USB charging ports. $24.99 USD. Can find for as low as $8.00 online.
    Best feature is the plug swivels 360 degrees at 90 degree locking angles. Can orient in any way. Helpful in hotels or at the coffee shop or airport for sharing a wall outlet
    cap for the plug also has a "storage slot" that allows it to double as a wall offset, so when plugging in stuff it doesn't put leverage pressure on the socket end.
    Don't need to carry and extra USB charger.
      5V/500mA each port, so slow charge on iPad.
  Dual Auto Charger
    2 USB ports, 5 volt , so can charge 2 devices at the same time.
    1 port has a "QuickCharge" feature which outputs 1 amp.
      Charges an iPhone or iPod faster. Claim from from under 20 percent to full in just under 90 minutes.
      The 500 milliamp port would take about 2 hours to do the same thing.
      Your Mac USB ports output 500 milliamps
Apple Camera Connection Kit
  Simply a must have iPad accessory. $29.00 USD
  30-pin to SD Card and 30-pin to USB adapter. You get both.
  Transfer photos and videos
    Directly from SD Card or Camera
    Can also go from iPhone or iPod to iPad with 30-pin USB cable
  Attach USB headsets, some mics, MIDI controllers, keyboards
  For devices that require power you may need a powered USB hub.
  Cannot attach mass storage devices, at east not without Jailbreak.
Pogo Sketch Pro Stylus
  From tenOne. $19.96 USD
  Also used the Pogo Sketch, around $8 bucks
  Pro has both the foam capacitive tip and a newer "pro" tip. Rubberized material.
  i prefer the "pro" tip. Seems more accurate
  Tips are replaceable
  Handle is tapered, like a brush. Aluminum has a great feel and weight.
  Comes with a little travel pouch
  I prefer the stylus for drawing and handwriting apps
    Noteshelf $0.99 USD - for handwritten notes
    WritePad $9.99 USD - for Handwriting to text
    Procreate $4.99 USD
    ArtRage $4.99 USD
    SketchBook Pro $1.99 USD
Cheap accessory case
  I got one as a gift. I think it was a Target $10 special.
  Faux leather zipper case with a bunch of mesh pockets.
  Keeps earbuds, cables, adapters, stylus, and other various accessories together and organized.
  David Sparks told me he likes the Cocoon Grid-it Organizers