Hasta La Ideas

I’d be testing a selection of Crumpler bags out on a multi-day trip to the west coast. As per my travel methodology I honed in on the two-wheeled carry-ons in Crumpler’s vast product line-up, and two models came to the forefront: The Dry Red No. 3 carry-on and the Spring Peeper with Wheels. (Crumpler’s nomenclature is quirky, to say the least.)

The Dry Red No. 3 was the closest thing I could find to a standard box-shaped rolling carry-on with a retractable handle, though its tapered shape suggested it was sacrificing a bit of carrying space for style. I wasn’t sure it would efficiently max out my carry-on allowance for the longer trips I mentioned in the “How I Travel” post. (Thankfully I was proven wrong.)

The Spring Peeper with Wheels, in contrast, is a duffel bag, albeit a wheeled one with a retractable handle; while it is still within the constraints of a carry-on size, its 40-liter capacity (versus the No. 3’s 27-liter storage space) promised to swallow anything I’d need to bring.

As a reviewer I had the luxury of borrowing whatever bags I wanted, rather than agonizing over which to select. I chose them both for a side-by-side comparison, though I would only be bringing one on the actual trip.

I’ll start with the Dry Red No. 3 and some of its design features. First off, the top handle is integrated into the design of the bag itself, not a discrete piece:

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Exotic wood iPhone backs feature custom laser etchings

Having tried a number of wood backs for iPhone in the past, we were interested in the custom-engraved option from Material6. Not an adhesive layer applied to the glass back of the phone, but actually a replacement back all together, the wood is mounted in a frame identical to Apple’s standard issue. Taking the personalization a step further we had the wood veneer laser etched with an illustration of CH mascots, Otis and Logan drawn by our very own, Leen Al-Bassam. The exotic hardwoods—South American Rosewood and Ebony Macassar—not only look handsome but pack a few benefits over the other types used by competitors.

Material6 uses wood veneers rather than solid wood, which tends to buckle under high moisture and extreme temperatures. Veneers are also more ecologically efficient, resulting in less wasted wood—not to mention the option for more exotic hardwood species. “We use a top grade phenolic-backed veneer for the backs,” says Material6 co-founder Randy Lively. “This has a fiberglass impregnated paper backing with solid wood laminated on top for more strength and water resistance than solid wood has to offer.”

The in-house laser etching service offered by Material6 is done well and costs just $5, including custom designs like ours. The company supplies a template to use for the creation of your designs, and their Flickr page contains past examples for inspiration.

The case is delivered promptly with a a simple five-point screwdriver, and the whole set-up takes less than a minute to install. Calibrated to fit precisely with the iPhone, the wood backs don’t affect the device’s slim profile (though the replacement of the phone back does technically void your warranty with Apple, but that’s part of the fun).

Material6 backs can be purchased at their online store for prices starting at $89.

Wrap your mobile phone in fine, seamless Italian leather

Slovenian company Calypso Crystal continues to add a human touch to tech accessories with their new Italian leather Calypso Case. Like their remarkable, hand-polished Crystal Dock, the cases are the work of experienced craftsmen who hand-stretch the leather skin around the titanium frame in order to avoid stitching.

The Calypso speaks to the beauty vs. protection dilemma many iPhone users have with most protective cases. Not only is it arguably as luxurious as the device itself, but its holster-like design allows you to keep the phone secure when not in use, and still show off its glossy exterior when it is.

Handcrafted in four vibrant colorways, the Calypso Case works with the iPhone 4 and 4S. Pick one up at Calypso Crystal online for $119.

Snow Peak’s minimalist iPhone case solution

Having tried a few different iPhone cases, I was skeptical that any could offer protection without majorly detracting from the sleek form of the phone itself—much less one designed by a camping gear brand. But after shattering my second iPhone, it was time to get serious. The minimalist design of Snow Peak’s cover seemed to fit the bill.

Made from a single piece of titanium, it adds negligible weight and bulk, while incorporating a clip-in lanyard. The ability to hang your phone around your neck might seem like a nerd-level accessory (I’m also guilty of sporting eyeglasses chains on occassion), but the usefulness it lends, from biking with it to cooking and grocery shopping, makes it undeniably chic.

Most importantly, the clean design of Snow Peak’s case most closely matches the iPhone’s aesthetic. Though mine has suffered a few dings and scratches in the weeks I’ve been using it, the case looks like a seamless extension of the silver sides of the phone. For the logo-averse, it conceals the Apple logo, though it does mean I can’t check my lipstick in its mirrored surface.

Limited to an edition of 300 and on sale as of today, the case sells from Snow Peak for $120 each—no, titanium does not come cheap.

Keep your iPad 2 safe on the go with one of these seven exceptional cases

Apple’s magnetic Smart Cover for the iPad 2 was a great addition to the tablet, but when it comes to preventing scratches and dings on the backside, a little more padding and a sprinkle of style never hurt anyone. As summer traveling comes to full swing, the real smart cover is one that doesn’t add too much bulk to the new streamlined design, while keeping your iPad tucked in tight as you board planes, trains and automobiles bound for weekend getaways or business trips. Below are six cases we think fit the bill.

AviiQ Smart Case

A companion to the Smart Cover, AviiQ’s hard aluminum and plastic Smart Case ($50) compliments the iPad 2 in every way, even matching Apple’s bold color palette. At 1.5mm thick, the case minimizes bulk and works with or without the smart cover

Casemate Walkabout

Casemate’s stylishly simple brown suede Walkabout folio ($50) snugly fits both the iPad 2 with the cover attached. Our test model came without the metal pieces on the top-closing flap, a simpler design, which we enjoyed.

Marware C.E.O. Hybrid

Combining a hardshell exterior with a soft fabric interior, Marware’s sturdy C.E.O. Hybrid case ($50) sports a professional look with equally functional features. Like the Smart Cover, the C.E.O. Hybrid’s lid puts the iPad 2 to sleep upon contact, wakes it up on removal, and doubles as a viewing stand. The additional hand strap is perfect for publicists managing the door or for reading briefs on the train.

Speck PixelSkin HD Wrap

Speck’s super slim PixelSkin HD Wrap ($50) is as close as you can get to not having a case at all, enveloping the iPad 2 like a glove. The cover stays securely shut with Speck’s “microsuction” system, which folds back into a stand similar to Apple’s Smart Cover. The wrap comes in pink, black and blue.

B&M iPad Sleeve

Made from super plush 100% German wool, B&M’s felt iPad sleeve ($39 AUD), though it may not be the most durable option and will pick up lint in your bag, is perfect for those who like to keep it streamlined. B&M keeps it simple with a cheerful range of colors to choose from and the case can snugly hold your iPad with the Smart Cover in place.

Kenton Sorenson iPad Sleeve

Kenton Sorenson‘s tan leather iPad sleeve ($125) is for anyone who appreciates the feel of raw leather and is a great contrast to the sleek design of the iPad. Like all raw leather products the case will develop a nice patina with age, showing the unique character of its owner. The case nicely fits the iPad 2 with the Smart Cover and is sure to turn heads in the boardroom.

Brenthaven Prostyle Sleeve

A leather case complete with a faux fur interior lining and handy side pocket, Brenhaven’s Prostyle Sleeve ($80) is a well-executed design that takes the standard sleeve up a notch. The case’s zipper keeps the iPad or iPad 2 safe, and the pocket is great for storing an iPhone or cords and chargers.