appleJAC Users Group

President's Place

by George Kopp

Welcome to 2012....

Another year is come and gone. Your appleJAC club is strong; and, with its new bylaws, has a renewed purpose to support the Macintosh and iOS products. I want to start off by congratulating our new officers for 2012.

I believe this provides us a good mix of seasoned officers and new blood. New leadership continues to make the group stronger as long as we continue to have those that can always fill in and help.

The most important thing to remember, whether you're an officer or not, this is your club. What we do is a decision made based on what people in the club want to see happen. At our January meeting, we will be selecting topics for the rest of the year. We will also give an opportunity for people to ask questions and talk about products that they've got for Christmas, or that they'd like to learn more about. 

This year your leadership hopes to mix it up a little more. We want to have meetings in Jefferson City and Columbia. We also want to vary the topics between Macintosh products and iOS products. With so many of our members having new iPads or iPhones from Christmas, the first half of the year will have meeting topics that cover both. 

Upcoming Meetings

The topic of the next meeting is "Christmas Memories / All of the Questions ... and some of the answers". It will be held at 7:00 pm on January 3, 2012, at Kennedy Hall in Immaculate Conception Church, 1206 East McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

As the outgoing President, one of my last things is to I ask you is to get involved. We need your input to help us make the decisions that grow this club further and make our meetings more exciting. Please attend the January meeting, if at all possible, so that you can make your voices heard. 

(dictated with Siri on my iPhone)

Uniea iPhone 4/4S Cases: Elegant Durability

a review by Tom Piper

Having just purchased a 64GB white iPhone 4S, my first concern was to protect it with a good case. I was wanted one that would be nice looking to accent the phone’s features. I got three cases from Uniea, a reliable company I’ve worked with before.

The first unit is a U-Suit Folio Premium II Leather Hard Filp Case priced at $34.95, available in six different colors. It provides a highly distinctive and professional style for those in search of an executive, all-business look. This case features precision cutouts for all ports and switches, and a slim design with flip bottom that adds minimal bulk, but maximum protection to your iPhone. In addition to this, it also features a striking leather finish for a classy, high-end image. Sized at 6.4 x 12.1 x 1.2 (cm), and weighing 41 grams, it features a flip-open cover for full enclosure and lash-optimized camera lens cut-outs.

The second is the Rebelution, a UV Glossy Finishing PC Hard Shell Case priced at $29.95, available in five different color combinations. It has a bold and edgy graphic that makes you stand out in a good way adding a swagger and wry wit to your mobile computing experience. The graphic is expertly protected by a durable UV ultraviolet coating that simply won’t wear off, while the strong yet slim PC polycarbonate plastic shell protects against scratches and dust.

The Rebelution line of phone cases take your mobile device to a new level of style. Strong construction and a custom fit give you reliable protection from scratches, dust, and drops, while the fresh designs offer a look that is totally unique. You can show everyone the real you by expressing it with your Rebelution case. Sized at 10.5 × 6.2 × 1 (cm), and weighing in at 10 gram, the precision cut-outs give you access to all critical buttons and ports while the ultra-slim profile adds minimal bulk to your smartphone (tiny holes on the side customized for wrist and neck straps.

The third case is the U-Suit - Indie Director Intrecciato Leather Hard Case for iPhone 4/4S priced at $29.95, available in three colors. This is the casual model of UNIEA’s U-Suit line for the iPhone 4/4S which features a striking embossed logo and rugged polycarbonate construction, together with a hip matte finish. The Indie model features a convenient flip open folio cover and a unique PC construction with a glossy feel, and a stylish rugged leather grip. Sized at 10.5 × 6.2 × 1 (cm), and weighing 20 grams, it is made of glossy UV coated PC plastic with a slim profile and very nice feel.

Each of these cases has its own distinctive appeal where the blue U-Suit Folio felt really good with lots of protection, the flip-down front sometimes got in the way. The Rebelution really enhances my white case and has a very tight fit, but no front protection. Likewise, the U-Suit Indie Director lacks front protection, but has a rugged carbon-fiber back that is very appealing. Its nice to have a variety to select from, but changing is difficult (to Uniea’s credit) due to the tight fit. As you might expect with any quality case, the final choice is a matter of personal taste. 

You can’t go wrong with any of Uniea’s cases. Just go to http://www.uniea.com/Phone-Cases-case/iPhone-4/4S-case/45.aspx to see what fits your mood and expression. I’m sure that there is more than one that you would like among almost 50 available.

iRig and SampleTank 1.1: Spectacular iOS Device Sound

a review by Tom Piper

So, you’ve got a MIDI keyboard, and you have tried GarageBand, but want something different that will reflect your creativity. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could plug your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into that keyboard, then create and record your music?

IK Multimedia has announced the availability of iRig MIDI and SampleTank for iOS (now available as a universal app with version 1.1). The latest update adds a 4-track MIDI recorder, a new beat-making interface, an expanded set of instruments and patterns, more compatibility with third party docks, and much more.

iRig MIDI is an ultra-compact standard Core MIDI interface for iOS that connects any MIDI compatible device to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It connects to MIDI keyboards, drum machines, drum pads, pedal boards and more to an iOS device to control a world of MIDI-compatible apps such as GarageBand. You can also use iOS apps to control external MIDI equipment such as sound modules, DAWs or lighting systems right from the mobile device. This unit has three MIDI ports: IN/OUT/THRU which connect to any standard MIDI jacks using the included 2 x 1.6m/5.2’ cables, and two LEDs for displaying the MIDI activity on the IN and OUT ports. The micro USB port (with included cable) connects to any standard USB power supply source so that it can stay fully powered during long sessions.

SampleTank is a pro-quality, sample-based sound and groove workstation for the iOS mobile platform. It can be played directly from the app or can be used live with any MIDI keyboard or pad controller with the iRig MIDI adapter. This app enables the mobile musician to record beats, grooves or complete songs anytime and everywhere. The new recorder features quantize and loop functions, export to audio and integration with the built-in pattern player making SampleTank a full-featured mobile sound and groove workstation. Plus the new beat-making interface with assignable pads makes groove creation a breeze.

This combination is very impressive. The number of included instruments has doubled in the regular version and now exceeds 500 total available instruments. SampleTank now also includes over 1,000 professionally programmed patterns so that anyone can make music regardless of prior musical ability. Instruments and patterns are organized into 16 categories including Pianos, Organs, Strings, Basses, Guitars, Drums, Synths, Woodwinds, Brass, Ethnic Instruments, Percussion and more all instantly accessible from a single app to create any style of music.

If you are like me, and want to get the most out of your keyboard, this is a great combination to have. There are so many variations that you can fully express your musical stylings, and record them for others to enjoy.

The iRig MIDI is immediately available at www.irigmidi.com for $69.99. SampleTank 1.1 is available on the iTunes App store for only $19.99 with 136 high-quality instruments and over 1,000 patterns included. A free version of SampleTank is also available with 8 sounds plus their selection of patterns. An additional 22 expansion sound packs are available for in-app purchase starting from as low as $4.99 each or all together for a competitive bundle price. Owners of iRig MIDI will also get an exclusive sound set of 48 sounds for free simply by registering. The 1.1 update is free to existing users.

For more information about SampleTank, go to www.sampletank.com/ios. To heard the sounds, go towww.ikmultimedia.com/sampletankipad/. This can be the answer to your musical expressions in a variety of venues.

Bad Elf GPS: Empowering Your iOS Devices

a review by Tom Piper

I originally bought a Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 because I didn’t need the 3G connectivity. But, I do need GPS capability for the mapping apps that I love to use while traveling. I have a nice Mi-Fi unit, but Verizon did not unlock the GPS capability, and I don’t have a iPhone Hot-Spot activated through AT&T. What was I to do?

Bad Elf has the solution with the creation of its high-quality and dependable product which are consistent with Apple’s philosophy of “It just works!” All I had to do was plug in my Bad Elf GPS and start traveling with GPS guidance. There was no complicated setup, and no batteries to charge . . . realistic plug-and-play!

This GPS device is an Apple-approved external GPS accessory designed to directly connect to my iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. It plugs into the dock connector and allows apps to read my current location, regardless of where I am. The company (Bad Elf) has worked hard to provide world-class customer service for my questions or concerns.

The Bad Elf GPS is about the size of a Quarter coin, and about the same thickness as my iPad. It is extremely small and portable with a detachable lanyard for safe-keeping and easy handling. On one end is the 30-pin Apple male connector, and on the other end a green activity light and a female micro-USB insert which enables charging of iOS device and syncing of iOS device with my computer. It is small enough to be compatible with most protective cases, arm bands, and car kits — as long as they do not obstruct the 30-pin dock connector.

To test it under real-life conditions, this unit has been mounted on an iPad for three long trips -- over 1,100 miles to northern Nebraska, over 1,900 miles to Santa Fe, NM, and over1,200 miles to Birmingham, AL. The iPad on one trip was laid low on the console, and on two other trips was mounted higher via a windshield mount. In both cases it took about a minute after activating Navigon GPS app to initially recognize the available satellites (green light blinks until found, then goes steady). After that, I never had to think about it (I did plug in the provided USB cable to my car’s power in order to keep the iPad charged (the Bad Elf GPS uses power from the iPad) . . . the sensitivity of this unit was actually better than by car’s built-in Kenwood (Garmin) GPS system.

Even with its simplicity and ease-of-use, I wish that this unit had clips on the 30-pin connector to keep it engaged (Apple doesn’t allow that), even when the cable is moved. To make it more available to more people, it would be popular if the price was in the $60 range such as competing blue-tooth units (which unfortunately don’t yet work with the iOS devices).

You can get you very own Bad Elf GPS unit (model BE-GPS-1000) for $99.95 at http://bad-elf.com/products/gps/. I agree that it is a strange name for such an elegant and useful piece of hardware, but it works great, and creates a terrific giant-GPS screen for my travels.

 

E-waste event set for Jan. 7, 2012

What: E-waste event

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Midwest Recycling Center, 1327 Missouri Hwy. 179

Who is the collection open to? Everyone

Is there a charge? $15 per TV, $5 per monitor; EVERYTHING ELSE IS RECYCLED FOR FREE!

What kind of material is accepted?

WE CAN RECYCLE ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR A BATTERY GOING TO IT, including TVs; computer monitors; refrigerators; air conditioners; dehumidifiers; microwaves; treadmills; water heaters; furnaces; lawn and garden equipment if the gas is removed; cell phones; 8-track players; VCRs; telephones; copiers; printers; radio equipment of any kind; satellite receivers; telecom equipment; ham radios; video games and all accessories including the games; corded or cordless power tools including the batteries and charger; computers; faxes; car, boat and tractor batteries; re-chargeable batteries, etc.

NO: smoke alarms, thermostats and alkaline batteries

Who do I contact if I have questions? Please contact the City of Jefferson Recycling Coordinator at 573-634-6410. 

December appleJAC Annual Meeting Actions

Due to the cold and snow, attendance was diminished, but those members present took several important steps forward at this appleJAC Macintosh Users Group Annual Meeting. The following members were elected as the new 2012 officers to take effect on January 1:

• President - Julie Smith
• Vice President - Alice Kopp
• Secretary - Trish Alexander
• Treasurer - Mark Snell
• Webmaster - Tom Piper
• Librarian - Joe Mertzlufft
• Member@Large (room setup and presenters needs) - Greg Breuer
• Member@Large (refreshments) - Sue Snell
• Member@Large (photos) - Dan Walsh
• Member@Large (recruiting) - Peggy Landwehr
• Member@Large (past president) - George Kopp

In other actions, the membership formally adopted the changes to the appleJAC Bylaws which would remove the Board size restriction, recognize all Apple products as our focus, and other housekeeping improvements. A copy of these changed Bylaw can be downloaded by clicking on this title: AppleJAC Bylaws 120611.