AAUG Reviews

by Mickey Templin, AAUG Member

This iPod cover is made of a clear silicone with the crystal and wheel sections open. A 3D wheel cover and crystal cover are provided separately but when put in place become attached and don’t move unless pride off. They are clear and when in place provide protection and visual clarity for accomplishing tasks at hand. The wheel cover has a raised center which makes it easy to push and connect with the wheel for selections. When carrying the iPod with the cover one doesn’t have to worry about it slipping from the hand or dropping it.

The clip is easily attached to the iPod cover and is tight enough so you don’t have to worry about it detaching or coming unclipped from your pocket or purse. There are openings at the top and bottom to which make accessory connections easy. The only information in English is the web address on the outside of the box. The telephone number is for Japan and all writing is in Japanese. An information sheet with the cover would be very helpful.

By Gary Miller, AAUG Member
Reviewed 6/06

When i got my first optical mouse by Apple, i thought i could toss my old mouse pad away since the new optical mouse with it’s bright red laser light worked on anything, WRONG. I learned quick that if I wanted to get traction for the mouse, be it either the Apple Pro Mouse with click button or the wireless model, both needed some help to work well.

Power Support USA brings in high level products made in Japan of the highest quality, and these 2 - the Airpad Pro III and Airpad Sole, both seek to make your mouse work at it’s best.

Airpad Pro III comes in 3 sizes, from it’s ’small’ 5.83″ x 8.11″, to Medium ” 6.85″ x 8.58″ or the large 7.72″ x 9.92″ I am using the Medium, good size, for the mouse to move around on. It’s a dark grey fluorocarbon resin that on one side is smooth and the other side is textured. I noticed immediate improvement in less drag and friction on the mouse, better tracking on the screen with the cursor too. The feel of it, is rubbery, probably not a word, but it’s pliable, and feels like it wouldn’t tear or wear out. You can clean with a mild detergent and water. Since it has an adhesive finish, it won’t move from where you put it. I liked that. (more…)

By Steve Nigl, AAUG Member
Reviewed 6/06

After six iPod purchases in our household, I have had the opportunity to try a lot of cases. And with the new nano and 5G ‘iPod with video’ models, a case is a necessity if you want to retain the glossy finish and avoid scratches. I recommend buying a case along with the new iPod and use it from day one. With that said, cases fall into several categories. Leather, Hard-shell, Neoprene, Silicone, and Film. I have had personal experience with all but the Hard-Shell and Film varieties (look for future reviews!). This is my second experience with a silicone ‘glove’ style case; and the Power Support jacket has a lot going for it.

There are a few key points when shopping for an iPod case. You need it to protect the pod’s finish. This includes some kind of protection over the screen and clickwheel. The case should not be a hindrance to using the iPod. And finally, does the case have a way to attach to a belt, backpack or whatever. Those points aside, is the fit sloppy or tight? Do the iPod’s controls line-up well? How is the build quality of the case.

The Power Support Silicone Jacket hits most of these points with only a few ‘misses’. First-off the fit-and-finish are tops! This is a Japanese-made case and they really seemed to pay attention to detail. As opposed to a previous silicone case (sorry, I returned it and don’t remember the brand), this one is textured enough to allow the iPod to slip in without too much sticking. My old case had an area of thinner silicone over the clickwheel patterned to look like it. The problem with this is twofold, first thick silicone makes it difficult for the clickwheel’s sensor to detect your finger’s presence; and second the silicone tends to ‘grab’ as you scroll. The design did work, but clumsily. Other manufactures (more…)

By Gary Miller, AAUG Member
Reviewed 5/06

The Simple stand by Power Support USA achieves it’s goal, simple, but elegant design that keeps your iPod facing you… And it’s adjustable.

Made in Japan where details count, this finely honed piece of aluminum & steel is sandblasted silver finish that sits on your desk. Behind it, are 3 black plastic screws that allow it to slant toward horizontal or upright, it’s up to you.

In the instructions, there is a strong suggestion to avoid scratching of your iPod to use their Silicone Jacket, that you purchase separately for $ 29.00. I am using Power Support’s other case, the clear hard plastic ” Crystal Jacket, ” it worked fine.

The Simple Stand is made to order, meaning that since I have the 5 G iPod for Video, 60 Gig model, it fits perfectly, you can order other sizes too, or you can order the mobile stand, same as the Simple stand, but designed to fit in your car’s cut holder, so you don’t loose or ruin your iPod in your car!

The only suggestion I’d have, is to make the silver flecked metal stand either black for black iPods, or white for white, the silver is a muted color, and doesn’t add to the beauty of the iPod, more of an industrial look. I love the way it fits, screws are big enough to turn with your fingers, and power plug has room to fit in, but not be hampered, good planning! (more…)

By Devon Peake, AAUG Member
Reviewed 4/06

This clear cover did make my iPod look better, but, if you are a perfectionist, you’ll also find that it was challenging to apply just right. I followed the directions on the back of the envelope, first cleaning my iPod (while wearing lint-free gloves) so there were no smudges or specks of dust. (I used eyeglass cleaner with the glass cleaner cloth to clean the iPod prior to application of the film.) I think one thing that would improve this product is to have the wheel cover and front cover all-in-one; the directions say to apply the wheel cover last, and I found it too difficult to “drop” this part of the film on the wheel right where it should go, centered. I just left this section off. Probably because Alaska is so dry, the side of the film which is NOT adhesive immediately stuck to my hand (static). So even though I had the iPod as clean as possible, the adhesive side of the film right away attracted a bit of dust and fuzz. I used some clear tape to remove what I could so I wouldn’t put any oil from my fingers or any fingerprints on the adhesive side. As the directions read, it IS easy to “slide” any air bubbles out while applying the film, and I was pleasantly surprised that some marks which were at the top of my video window previously do not appear anymore.

Overall, I am happy with the results - my iPod looks better, newer, and I know it won’t be easily scratched. The website has a link for “Post-Installation Dust and Air Solutions”, which I tried on the back film, but since I do tend to be a perfectionist (can you TELL??… :-), I decided my results were good enough. Since I own a few different cases for my iPod, I intend to leave this film on, since it is thin enough (but not too thin), and won’t interfere with any of my carrying cases.