TheSnugg iPad Leather Case And Holder Review

I do not own an iPad, but TheSnugg was still kind and sent me this. Taken in cosiduration that I do note  own an iPad, could result in that this review want be as good as if I had one. Blame Apple for having so pricey devices! 

However, I will do my very best to cover all aspects which are necessary to include.

When I opened it I immideately noticed how stiff it was, it wasn't flexible somehow, it made a weird noise when the upper part is moved, and there is a bending point, which could have been made smoother. 

I'm not sure if TheSnugg made a hole on the center of the iPad 1 case, but I think that's very nice done by them, because now I have an iPad 1 and an iPad 2 and iPad 3 case. Great!

The most interesting thing about this case is the little hole on the top of the case. Exactly where the camera lens is placed on the newer iPad 2 and iPad Resolutionary. It's very well done making that little extra hole. I can now use it for more devices. Why they did it? I'm not sure, but I assume that on iPad 1 the light sensor is placed there. So they didn't want to cover that particular place. The good thing is that I can use it as a camera hole for an iPad 2 or an iPad Resolutionary. 

On the top you can see the little hole that is perfectly centered. 

Nicely cut out for the home button. Very smooth!

From a different point of view. I like the look of the case, and how they used white sewing tread to make a good contrast between the black and the white!

This keeps the iPad into place when moving so it doesn't slide out.

This clip keeps the iPad in a standing position, when you want it to be standing of course. 

Pros

• Feels good in your hand while carrying it
• Good design, and choosing and many functions.
• Nice color!
• good protection against scratches on the backside of the iPad, and on the front if you've got a screen shield.

Cons

• Makes weird sounds when use
• Isn't made of real leather.

Conclusion

Can be used as an iPad 1, iPad 2 and iPad 3 case. Great and cheap instead of those iPad 2 and iPad 3 cases which are much more expensive. Buy this, it's a good choice! Recommended!

Product Link:
http://www.thesnugg.com/ipad-1-cases/snugg-ipad-1-case-cover-and-flip-stand-in-black-leather.aspx

Written by Luka Momcilovic

REVIEW - Gnarly HD - 1080P High Definition Sports Action Camera with LCD

Gnarly Extreme HD - 1080P High Definition Sports Action Camera with LCD

You have heard of GoPro, Drift, Contour, and Tachyon. Four typical examples of well-known action cameras. Most people hate spending money on unknown brands. Regretting the wrong purchase can be terrible, and having to return an item and risking of being rejected is even worse, since you then have to keep the product you simply hate. It's even worse if you buy an item with a weird name from a company with an even stranger name, and many times, these company's products have very little contact information. Like an email or a website with lack of information.

I can tell straight away that this is an excellent copy of Drift HD 170 Helmet Camera, which costs approximately 320 USD, while the Gnarly Extreme HD Helmet camera has a price tag of only 156,50 USD. I will not be able to compare these two different cameras in-depth, besides the information I find on the net, because of two simple reasons. 1. I do not have the camera, and I have no intention of buying it. 2. The camera is no longer in production, because it has been replaced by the newer model: Drift HD Action Camera (Records 1080p) and the Drift HD720 Action Camera (Records 720p). 
However I will show you video comparisons of the Drift HD Action Camera(1080p version), and the Gnarly Extreme HD Camera.

Picture of the Drift HD 170 Action camera. Price: $320,00: 

Picture of the Gnarly Extreme HD Action camera. Price: $156,50: 

Very similar in appearance. Very similar in what they can do also. Almost completely the same video quality. But why does the Drift camera cost almost twice as much as the Gnarly Extreme HD camera? We'll be going through all the differences in this review. Read on!

GoPro sells its cheapest camera for 200 USD, but paying 50 bucks more, for a camera with a nice brand logo, better quality parts, and good testimonials from friends and strangers, is definitely worth it! 
You thought I was going to say not worth it, but it IS worth paying 50 bucks more, because of several reasons: 


1. It's more durable, shockproof, sturdy and can withstand a lot of harsh use! 
2. GoPro is known for good quality, and I am not surprised why people prefer GoPro. It has literally been in space! "The Toshiba Space Project" 
3. A legit company, with contact information everywhere, good commercials and satisfied        customers all over the world.
4. Impeccable Camera!


50 more bucks is negligible, when knowing you assuredly will be satisfied and have the right to return, in addition to having a money back guarantee! Remember that GoPro has very many testimonials, from celebrities, professional sport athletes, daily for entertainment users, websites, etc. While the Gnarly Extreme HD camera has only got four reviews that you can read to be sure you're not buying crap.

 "Safety First" is "Safety Always."  

~Charles M. Hayes

This quote doesn't describe me very well, but that's only because I am an adventurist and I like testing out products that nobody else would risk to buy. Plus, that I got this for free! ;-)


This camera isn't bad or awful, it's surprisingly well made, and records video in great quality! I talked to some of my friends who owned a GoPro camera and who made various skiing movies with it, and they were surprised of how good quality video this camera records! I only wish the creators of this camera would do a even better job, than what they've done so far, because if done properly and with even more effort, they could start selling lots and lots! 

The main physical differences with the cameras

Drift HD 170

• 4x Zoom-Function when recording in 720p and WVGA modes
• Includes microphone input
• Includes a remote controller with Play and Stop function
• Arrives with only one battery
• More front side buttons
• Takes 5 Megapixel photos while the Gnarly Extreme HD Camera takes 12 Megapixels
• Does not take WVGA videos in 60fps while the Gnarly Extreme HD does! This means no slow motion opportunities! 
• 32 Mb storage space built inside the camera

Gnarly Extreme HD Camera

• Does not have a zoom function at all!
• Has no microphone input
• Does not arrive with a remote control
• Arrives with two batteries
• Less front side buttons
• Takes 12 Megapixel photos
• Takes WVGA videos in 60fps so this means slow motion opportunities! 
• Even though the camera's package says clearly that it includes 32 Mb of storage space, I've been unfortunate, and each time I'm taking photos and recording video while not having a SD card inserted. It just prompts me with and error message saying "No Card". I take this as faulty information, and a simple lie. This means that there is no built in storage space. 

I must say sorry for not being able to compare the software that the camcorders use, but as said earlier, I am not going to buy the Drift camera and there aren't many in-depth software reviews for the Drift HD 170 camera, nor video reviews.  Since I would like to make this a good review, I don't want to assume how the software's works. Which one is best and what this has that the other doesn't, is something that I don't want to speculate about. So unfortunately I have to skip comparing the two cameras software. However, as said earlier, these action-cameras are 95% the same.

Video Comparison

      Drift HD 170 video quality test            Gnarly Extreme HD video quality test

Now, there is a difference in the videos, and maybe it even isn't very well made, but I made a video for you, and I hope you're satisfied with what I've done. I included daily recording, snowy recording and recording close to the ground. E.g. when you want to record your skies up close while riding. "Or something!?!?"


I am unable to review the inner parts, how good the parts are and how it looks inside.Basically because I'm incompetent doing so. 


Since the lens is rotatable according to your use, the different ways you can record a video can be complicated and frustrating to understand immediately, so experimenting and trying out the various ways is a important. It was for me at least, and it took me 2 days to understand everything.
I think it's unnecessary and a waste of your and my time showing you a video preview of how the video output changes according to the way the camera is placed and the way the lens is rotated. That is something you just have you try out!

Picture Examples in all the various photo sizes that this camera supports

Pictures in 2592 x 1944, 5 Megapixels

I Recommend All These Pictures being clicked and viewed in a new tab or a new window, because then you'll see the full resolution and the best picture quality than these miniature photos.

Pictures in 3200 x 2400, 8 Megapixels

Click the photos! Enjooy...

Pictures in 4000 x 3000, 12 Megapixels

Keep clicking those photos!

Pros

• A decent and good fish-eye lens built inside the camera. I'm not sure if it's removable. (Haven't tried, and wont be trying).

• Pre-installed software that gives you a big variety of functions, options and user settings. Volume, Brightness, Image size, Video size, Different time intervals for taking photos, loop settings, recording options, Time stamp, Languages, Date/Time, Light Frequencies, Auto power off screen, auto power off camera, SD formatting, SD Info, Update firmware, Restore. Plus a few more!

• Arrives with very many accessories for the camera. You get all of these accessories included in the package: Headstrap, HDMI cable for Video-Output, Bike mount, Car carger, AC charger, USB cable, Manual CD, Paper Manual, Extra batteries (two actually!), Velcro set, Universal clip, google mount (skiing glasses with other words).

• Waterproof and can stand water. However, I wouldn't use this is water. Basically because the manufactures and the dealers haven't advertised that function to record under water. Due to this lack of information, and since there was little focus on that particular ability to shoot videos and photos under water. (I have not tested it under water, and wont be doing it either). I also recommend you to not be trying that!

• Since the camera has an installed software, and runs on firmware, it also has the ability to play the video you record and you also have the possibility to see the photos you take!

• TV-Output! You can stream Full HD video to your TV, with the included HDMI cable! Super, when on vacation, and you're staying at the hotel, you have a TV in your room and you want to watch the footage you've taken so far.

• Very lightweight and compact. I was able to fit it in my pocket, my bag, and my jacket-pocket. And of course many other places! 

•  Often video cameras are not very good for taking pictures, but this one isn't very bad! Much better than expected, and I think that if you are not the too strict guy when choosing video cameras, then I think you're convinced that the picture quality is great!

• Well done by them including a rotatable lens, so you can adjust the recording output according to the mount position. I have not used this function very much, and I myself don't find this function very in-handy, but for some people, this can be a lifesaver for recording skiing, biking and diverse movies.

• Amazing video quality considering the price and the Chinese origins. "No intention to insult Chinese people who read this, but cheap Chinese products are known for their low durability. Agree with that? The cheaper, the less durable, the more you have to buy. Simple marketing tactic.

• First camera I've ever seen that displays memory left on the main screen. Good job developers! Practical and nice! Well Done!! Displaying the recording resolution is a smart move as well!

• Two red LED's flash and blink when recording and taking photos. The patterns are different and I have multiple times used this when checking if it is recording or not. 

• Having the option to change the photo size of pictures you take, and also being able to change the resolution of the videos you record makes it easier for both uploading, editing and transfer. Nice to know that GoPro doesn't have something like that because GoPro is known for being best!

• It's not necessary to have special software and programs on your PC to be able to transfer photos and videos. Just plug in the camera using the USB cable, or just remove the SD card and connect it to your laptop's SD connection.

• Delete function when you e.g. want to delete some photos you're dissatisfied with or some videos that were too shaky!

• Very good alternative for GoPro. Includes more accessories and has many more functions to satisfy your wishes.

• Elegantly made, feels good in your hand, looks nice, and it's easy to use. Even though it demands some experimenting and trying out in the beginning to get to know all the functions it has.

• Fits on all universal tripods on the market! 

• Durable, made simple, but still a good product!

• Price is perfect for what you get! Chinese people are reasonable and fair. The re-sellers aren't 

Cons 

• The screen is placed on an unpractical, and not though-trough place. On the other hand I understand why they did this. Because when you are skiing or biking, skating or para-gliding, I'm very sure that you're not looking at the screen, changing options, resolutions and photo sizes. When recording normally, it is frustrating, turning your head, looking like an ostrich. 

• You have, as I earlier said the option to rotate the lens, and even flip the screen, but I did not find that useful. Not for my purpose at least. 

• The rotatable lens is very hard to rotate. First time trying, it feels like it's glued or something, but after some twisting and turning, you will make it more loosen. Which is good.

• Battery is hold in place by two screws of some kind, I think that is unprofessional. Also very hard to move them info place first time turning them. The battery is also covered with a waterproof door, that I do not trust the "door" entirely. Not at all, actually. It simply doesn't feel waterproof.

•  The big plastic buttons to the right of the preview screen are easy to use, their big and simple. However, the place were they're placed is ridiculous. Why didn't they palce it on the the top of the camera just like the record and ON/OFF buttons. In addition to that flaw, the buttons are quite hard to press down, and after some time using them, they become frustrating to use. If they moved the three big buttons to the top, they could have made a bugger and better preview screen.

• One silicone button on the opposite side of the the record and ON/OFF button has no purpose at all! It's just placed there without no practical use. Instead of adding a usless button like that, I wouldn't mind removing it, and continuing the orange stripe across the whole bottom side.

• It does not withstand being dropped to the ground, the ice, the pavement, basically anything that is hard. Doesn't feel like it can withstand much extreme use either, but withstanding something can it definitely handle! 

• Waterproof capabilities aren't very safe! The battery door that keeps all your photos and videos, the battery and the inner parts safe, I assume can only manage keeping them dry from rain and losing it in the snow or something. Actually swimming with it, is not recommended.

• No included SD-card- However the price would then increase, I myself wouldn't include a SD card if this was my product. Because everyone wants to save money, and since that is the case, the also want to reduce costs. Which again result is low-quality SD cards with little memory. Most likely. So even though they don't include a SD card, since I know how they most likely would have been I also think that they should keep their low price for this camera. 

• Not having a zoom function isn't that bad, and since nobody zooms when skiing, climbing, skating or biking it doesn't have that much of practical use. The users of this camera want to have as wide video as possible when doing sports! Because it's more exiting to watch in retrospect and it is cooler! Right!? Not having a better focus, on the other hand, is worse. This is very important for all cameras to have. They need better focus. What if you e.g. wanted to have a close up video of your skies or something. Or wanted to record something except footage of your bike trip or skiing session. Like a flower or a ant. 

• Having focus is also a key factor for when taking close-ups, pictures and stuff. It has a limited focus, and is kept on a fixed focus. That is why photos most often must be taken of mountains and things far away. If you want the pictures to be in focus of course. Or blurry?

• Sound recording sucks, but it sucks on GoPro, Tachyon, Contour too so that isn't a very big problem. Action cameras aren't necessary to have one. 

Pictures Of The Camera, and Everything!

I was mainly planning to make all the photos below much smaller so the whole review was going to be slightly less in size . "Which I was hoping to accomplish", but I changed my mind and realized that the review is big already, so making it even bigger wont harm. 

Since there is such a extreme amount of photos in this review, I was hoping to find a solution for this last part of the review, so I could make all of the product photos in a slideshow. But...I didn't manage to make something like that work and ended up using my classical method. However, I stumbled over a easy and elegant way for everyone who's reading this to enjoy the pictures even more. Almost like a slideshow. Press F11 if you are using a Windows. (I do not own a Mac, so I don't know the shortcut for FullScreen on that OS). Then you will be watching the photos in almost a slideshow way throughout the picture and captions below. 

I filtered out the lousy and unfocused images just for you, and left the beautiful, focused and clear ones. Please sit back, and enjoy !

This is the packaging it arrived in, and you can't guess how exited I was to open this! Look at how beautiful it is! Just Look! The nice bubble wrap, the shipping info sticker, wow...

Extreme HD Gnarlie's package box. This was a special moment for both me and the camera. It seems like Eagle Eye made this product, but I was unable to find their webpage. I was hoping to find maybe an updated version of the firmware, but nothing. 

Backside informs you of some package contents, info about the camera and the accessories it holds. HDMI capabilities, Copyright stuff, Recycling, plus some more info which is unnecessary for both you and me to know, if we really aren't looking for that particular detail... Nothing less, nothing more. 

Close up of the package contents and the quantity of the items. 

The real good stuff! Here we have all the information they decided to print on the backside. Surprisingly they didn't choose to include that the camera can take photos that are 3000 x 4000 pixels. Weird, maybe that's a sign of that being a lie?

Some more information that also is printed on the backside

Tension is building up! I really enjoyed the view of this. Nicely packaged, with the Eagle Eye thingy "Your Adventures in HD" quote! Very nice! Very elegant!

Ones removing the top lid, you notice all the accessories which the box contains. 

A different point of view, slightly diagonal, a more close up to the sweety itself!

Protected from dust within it's plastic capsule with tape taped to keep the open end of the plastic bag at place. Marvelous! 

An overview of all the goodies inside. Looks attractive right! Yes indeed it does! Just notice how much you actually get for only 150 USD!

Close up of the Car charger. With other words, the cigar charger.

Car charger taken out of the bag

Velcro Set. This is just for sticking the different attachments to various things. I think. I haven't used it, because I didn't have to. I just simplifies mounting of the camera.

This is the helmet grip mount. 

Helmet grip mount

Helmet grip mount

Backside of the helmet mount

Bike mount, works great. Maybe you shouldn't use this when riding downhill, if you fall of your bike or anything like that. Keeping the camera on your helmet is more wiser. 

The USB cable. Guess what this is for!?!?

Taken out of the plastic bag. Still the same USB cable...

Micro USB

AC charger

Attachment for the AC charger

Different photo angle of the attachment. You have to use this in case you want to charge your camcorder. This thing goes into the power connection.

This is where the above attachment is connected.

User manual in paper, and the mini CD with its electronic manual. For the rich people with a computer.

HDMI cable for video output to TV. Be aware that this is not a typical male to male HDMI cable, this is male to female.

Removed the plastic bag. One and a half meter long. 

See the difference between the female HDMI connection (left), and the male HDMI connection (right). female goes into camera, male goes into television.

You actually get two batteries. One for use, and the second for backup! Sweet! has a capacity of 1300 mega-amp per hour. 

The google mount! For the skiers. 

Google mount close up!

The headstrap

Close up of head strap

Finally! All of these attachments were boring. This is the front side of the Extreme HD Gnarly camera, and below you can see the length of it. 

The camera is only 12 cm long! Very small!

The bottom part of the camera. As you can see, that button has no function and they could have replaced it with a continues orange stripe.

The tripod mount, and the place were you attach the mounts. Works with almost all tripods, not those super advanced ones. 

Record button and ON/OFF button. The ON/OFF button has also the function to take the photos.

Nice, clear fisheye lens 

The door latch for the SD card, the battery, and the USB and HDMI connections.

This is the way you open it. I did not know how to do it the first time because it was stuck, it was too hard too open. This is just help for those who don't know, and for those who plan buying the camera.

SD card is inserted, as well as the battery. Very basic inside.

Do you notice the two screw-like things that keep the battery in place. Those are also very hard to move into place when battery is inserted the first time using them.

Lens is rotatable. Practical you may think. I haven't had much use of it. But some may have. Cool!

Close up of Power button, which you also use to take photos. 

Record button

The main three buttons for navigating the memory and using the pre-installed software.

A overlook at the most used surface on the camera

No function at all

Extreme HD

Main software screen that will appear first time using it

That number shows how many videos has been recorded so far. Practical right! 

This shows how many pictures have been taken so far. Practical that too!

Conclusion

Have you ever wanted to record your adventures, your bike trips, your skiing days in the mountains or in the park. Are you maybe a professional skydiver and you want to capture those amazing moments. Then I would go for the GoPro action camer because in almost every aspect and in almost any point of view, you are going to experience days when you drop your camera to the ground, when you suddenly hit it with your skiing pole or maybe unintentionally hitting the camera with your own arm while free falling. GoPro is known for being best, and it is. If you don't want to pay 50 bucks more, then this is a good alternative, but GoPro is still the best. It is always wise to check how durable and how long the camera/item/whatever, will last. I can safely say that this is a amazing action camera, and it will definitely last for many years. It's not like a porcelain cup that breaks if you place the camera on the table or something. It is very well built, has good options to your own liking that GoPro doesn't have. More user freedom, more freedom to use the camera as you like, unlike GoPro. However this camera has its bad aspects. It want stand as much extreme use as GoPro, but it will handle some harsh use. That is why you have to ask yourself these three questions:


1. Do I want to spend 50 USD more for a better camera?
2. How will I use the camera. Harshly or Gently? In your garden or while downhill biking?
3. Do you care if you get a camera slightly worse than GoPro, or do you care about GoPro's special opportunities? For 50 dollars more?


I am satisfied with this camera, and I don't need a better one! It all depends on the ways you use it!


Ask yourself these three questions and I guarantee will find a reasonable solution for your needs. :)


I hope you've enjoyed my review, please come with suggestions, feedback and comments!


The DX website:
http://www.dx.com


Product link for the Gnarly Extreme HD Action Camera: 
http://dx.com/waterproof-5mp-cmos-digital-video-camera-w-mini-usb-sd-hdmi-slot-1-5-lcd-32gb-71830?item=4

Written by Luka Momcilovic