Electronics Gadget Reviews

Beginning iPhone Development Exploring the iPhone SDK

Are you a programmer looking for a new challenge? Does the thought of building your very own iPhone app make your heart race and your pulse quicken? If so, then Beginning iPhone Development is just the book for you.

Assuming only a minimal working knowledge of Objective-C, and written in a friendly, easy-to-follow style, Beginning iPhone Development offers a complete soup-to-nuts course in iPhone and iPod touch programming.

The book starts with the basics, walking you through the process of downloading and installing Apple’s free iPhone SDK, then stepping you though the creation of your first simple iPhone application. You’ll move on from there, mastering all the iPhone interface elements that you’ve come to know and love, such as buttons, switches, pickers, toolbars, sliders, etc.

You’ll master a variety of design patterns, from the simplest single view to complex hierarchical drill-downs. You’ll master the art of table-building and learn how to save your data using the iPhone file system. You’ll also learn how to save and retrieve your data using SQLite, iPhone’s built-in database management system.

You’ll learn how to draw using Quartz 2D and OpenGL ES. You’ll add MultiTouch Gestural Support (pinches and swipes) to your applications, and work with the Camera, Photo Library, and Accelerometer. You’ll master application preferences, learn how to localize your apps into other languages, and so much more.

Apple’s iPhone SDK, this book, and your imagination are all you’ll need to start building your very own best-selling iPhone applications.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great Book, needs some improvement
The book was well written, excellent examples, nice walk-thru for each project. I was able to finish all the projects, everything works fine. The only thing that, in my opinion, this book needs is some exersizes at the end of each chapter that we can do on our own. I am a programmer with more than 10 years of experience and was able to complete all the examples, but when I started to work on my own application I realized that I have no practice at all. I follow the Stanford Iphone class now and only by doing “home work” start felling that I am learning Iphone SDK. I still go back to the book a lot, so I am using it now as my research book.

5 Stars I’ve only just begun
…but already love the book.

I have never written a line in Objective C (but have about 14-15 years of experience scripting with languages such as PHP, JavaScript, ActionScript etc.) and this book made it all very clear to me. I did realize that I needed more knowledge about Objective C as a language, so I ordered the book Learn Objective–C on the Mac (Learn Series).

It took me no more than a day to get through the first 7 chapters. I did also spend some time manipulating the applications that I had written, just to try to learn more and see if I had understood everything. I recon 2 more days, and I’m done with the book.

Thumbs up!

2 Stars Gives you code to type in, but doesn’t really help you learn why you are typing that code.
I bought this book because I was very hopeful that it would help me learn how to program on the iphone. I am currently on page 82 and do not feel like I know how to program the iphone. Sure I have been able to get their examples to work, banging on the keyboard like some stupid monkey while reading all of their directions line by line. This book is about as valuable as a recipe to make oatmeal cookies. As long as you want to make oatmeal cookies and you have the recipe with you to follow it step by step you are fine. However if you want to make chocolate chip cookies you are screwed. If you want to bake a cake you are really screwed.

I think this book almost made it but it definitely falls short. I have many years of development experience although I haven’t programmed on the iphone before and I don’t think this book is going to help me get there. The authors know how to program on the iphone, that is definitely true. However they have no idea how to teach development on the iphone. I expect to read in a book such as this “that is why we did that, if we would have done it another way then this would have happened” , “try to do this”, and finally “this is what should have been done and why”. This book does not follow a traditional learning approach. A better way would have been to Tell the reader what you are going to teach him or her. Next teach him or her. Finally tell him or her why you taught them that and thoroughly explain it. When I finally learn this stuff. I will write a better book to teach it, because their aren’t any to be found. If you want to see something that you didn’t come up with, and don’t know how to build from scratch, run on an iPhone; then buy this book. Otherwise if you really want to learn iPhone development, look somewhere else.

5 Stars I bought it once I’ve read it online
Haven’t I said enough? I liked this book so much I needed to have it on my shelf to review it physically.

It’s a total must have for those starting iPhone development.

5 Stars To the point.
I’ll make this review short and sweet. This book is AWESOME, a must have for iPhone developer’s.

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DB Premium iPhone 3G Full LCD Screen Protector 3 Pack

This premium quality non-oem iPhone 3G Screen Protector, protects against scratches to your iPhone 3G screen, Great for people who are always on the go!

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Good at first, but can get gunky over time
I liked the idea of a screen protector since I constantly carry my iPhone with me and didn’t want it to get scratched. That said, the screen protector became so gross overtime that I HAD to peel it off. What do I mean by gross? The edges of the sticker seemed to attract makeup, dust and other gunk making the phone look VERY unsanitary. Even when I tried putting my phone in a separate clean pocket, it still picked things up whenever I put it up to my face to talk. If you’re purely using the headphones or a bluetooth device this may be less of an issue for you. However, as someone who wears make up and was constantly picking it up this was a big issue for me. It especially had a tendency to collect around the button and was virtually impossible to clean off.

Now that I have removed the protector this is no longer a problem. I find that it doesn’t seem to attract makeup anymore and even when it does I can easily clean it off with a gentle cloth. I also haven’t had any issues with scratches and dents, despite regular use, making the think the screen is durable enough on its own.

The bottom line is that I would recommend this if you are putting it up to your cheek to talk and wear makeup because it can get gross pretty fast and is hard to clean.

5 Stars Great protector
I’ve had a few different clear protectors for my iPhone 3G and this is tied with the best of them. I had no problem getting it on straight and it actually is more scratch-resistant than some I’ve had in the past. I keep my phone in my pocket, sometimes with other things, so the screen tends to take some damage. I’ve had this cover on for a month or two and it doesn’t have a single scratch yet! The only drawback: it comes in a three-pack. The way this one is holding up, my phone will wear out before I need the other 2!

1 Star Put your money back in the couch
These are, by far, the worst screen protectors I’ve ever used. All 3 were used in 1 day because they just do not stick to the screen. I applied all of them per the included directions and they all peeled away. Put your money back in the couch, its a better investment.

1 Star Screen begins to peel off after a week of use
This is definitely not a good product. Why do you think they send you a 3-pack? Within a week the edges, especially around the home button, will begin to peel and dirt will get under the screen protector. Afterwards, air bubbles will start to form and then your iPhone will look awful.

I would not recommend this screen protector. Also, very wasteful packaging for each protector. You get a clear plastic bag with a paper insert. Inside the paper insert you get another clear plastic bag with the screen protector. You also get a piece of cloth that is inside another clear plastic bag. Every time you put on a new screen protector you throw away 3 plastic bags, a paper insert, 2 sheets of plastic that protect the protector and a piece of cloth. That’s all a bit unnecessary for one thin piece of plastic.

4 Stars Nice Product, Great Deal. Well Worth a Try
I think these are great. You pay a penny and less then three bucks for shipping to get three screen protectors that are even supposed to be reusable (although, I doubt you can really wash and reuse them). I’ve gone through at least three different brands of protectors and these rank just behind the one that came with a Marware case I bought. Similar to the Marware one, these are a little thicker than some others I’ve had and nice a glossy. If you get it on without bubbles you can’t even tell it is there. Speaking of bubbles, you just have to be careful. The protector doesn’t make bubbles the person applying the protector allows bubbles if you aren’t careful. I actually think the thickness of these helps you put it on easier without bubbles. The top sheet that needs to be pulled off once applied is nice so that you can run your scrapper card (You do have one of those, right. If not, no wonder you are getting bubbles. Try using a credit card at least) against it pretty aggressively to prevent and remove any bubbles. As far as packaging, mine were in english and chinese.

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Ten One Design T1 AF25 100 Pogo Stylus for iPhone 3G Black

You’ve got your iPhone or your iPod iTouch and you enjoy using the touchscreen. You love your iPhone’s low-profile silhouette, minimal appearance, and maximum performance. An ordinary stylus seems impractical. It’s difficult to hold with gloves. It’s tricky to use with manicured nails. Thanks to Ten One Design, the Pogo stylus is an elegant, working partner for any iPhone and iTouch user who wants more. It’s the alternative stylus for all the available functions from business to gaming. Pogo was made to enhance your iPhone lifestyle.

The body of the Pogo stylus is a lightweight aluminum alloy, with an anodized finish. Laser-engraved graphics set off the matte sheen to the best advantage. The foam tip is soft, yet durable and conforms cleanly and precisely to the multi-touch screen. Sized for accuracy, it does away with the awkward typos and misfires common to fingertip-only use. Do you wear gloves? The Pogo stylus allows you to answer calls and surf the web all while keeping your hands toasty ands clean. Eliminating fingers has the added benefit of keeping the screen free of smudges and grease. Designed to firmly hug the contours of the iPhone and iPod touch, the Pogo Stylus travel clip will keep your accessory secure and close at hand.

You’re used to catching envious looks with your iPhone. Now add greater comfort, style, poise, and sophistication as you use your iPhone anywhere.

The Pogo Stylus. Why should you and your iPhone be without it? It simply makes sense to order yours today. Includes an innovative clip designed to keep your Pogo Stylus close at hand. It closely hugs the contours of the iPhone, and also works with the iPod touch. In addition to holding the stylus securely, the clip won’t intrude with any buttons or switches and won’t interfere with docking Gamers, too, will appreciate the Pogo accuracy when it counts in the heat of battle, puzzle or quest. The Stylus can easi

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Works well
I just got this and it works well with my iPod Touch. I have a screen protector on my iPod Touch and it works well through that. Sometimes it seems that it needs a little extra pressure, but I’m sure some of that has to do with the way the iPod touch screen work (capacitive, not pressure sensitive).

4 Stars A quality product
I thought the stylus was a little expensive, but it did come with a very handy clip holder and after several months use.

It still works well.

5 Stars great product!
The stylus is great. Very durable and it sure makes my touch screen have no fingerprints on it. I got it within a couple of days of my purchase also.

2 Stars Don’t buy from Ten One Design
This may be a great product but since I can’t get Ten One Design to deliver on product I may never know! I keep getting the run around so buy it from someone else instead of Ten One Design directly. I would hate for anyone to have the kind of headache I have had. Now they won’t reimburse me for my total price only the cost of the product. So, I am having to eat shipping cost on a product I never recieved!

1 Star Buyer Beware: Does not work for all hands
Had a chance to try one of these that a friend ordered on my iPod touch 2G. It works okay for him with a little pressure, but it did not work at all for myself and another friend. It does not seem to be able to sense all hands on a device like the iPod touch.

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Apple iPhone 3G Premium Silicone Protective Skin Case Red

Premium 100% Pure Silicone 3G Iphone Case with Wave like Pattern on the Back. Comply with U.S. 21 F.D.A. Regulation Part 177.2600 (rubber articles) standard. Provides Firm Grip, Odor-free, Strong, Anti-Static, dust proof and Perfect Fit. Openings for Apple Logo, LCD screen, headset, dock connector. Protect Your iPhone 3G without adding Bulk.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars new iphone case review
the quality of the case was good but it didnt have an opening slot for

the side bar volume buttons and on/off/button at the very top of the case

if it had that i would have given it 5 stars.

5 Stars Excellent product
I bought them in red, black and while and I am really happy the way the fit and look. Took a little long to arrive, other than that it’s great.

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ifrogz iphone3g st bb Luxe Case for iPhone 3G Blue Black

Soft Touch -Protective hard plastic case with metallic finish & soft touch texture (Blue/Black)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Stylish protective case
This is a two piece case with a dual color matte finish. The internal component of the case is lined to protect the case from scratches. The dark blue color is pleasing to the eye and is not too flashy. The case has a nice feel and keeps the iPhone Secure. It is accompanied with a screen protector to keep fingerprints and light scratches off of the device. All of the buttons, ports and camera lens have openings for easy accessibility. The weight and size added to your iPhone is minimal.

Overall, this is a good value in the dozens of choices that iPhone users have to choose from.

5 Stars Get it
Highly recommend this puppy. looks great and fits tight. well worth the $$$

4 Stars Better the case than the phone.
I’ve had this case for 6 months, and its about finished. The case has cracked and tabs have broken off. I’m not sure how long they are supposed to last, but this one is done! The color is fading as well. . . good luck finding one that holds up!

5 Stars LOVE IT!
I used to have one of the soft rubber cases for my iPhone and one day I got a little tired of looking at hot pink, so I bought this case. I gotta say I love it! When I took the old case off, there was so much crap (dust and what not) on the back of the iPhone. But this one fits snug and I like that it has a little padding so if I drop it, the phone will survive.

WORTH THE MONEY!

3 Stars Looks great, but….
I bought this ifrogz brand case at a nearby mall for $29.99! It looks great however after a month now, I noticed that the color is fading on both sides of the phone (where I usually have my fingers when holding it). Just wanted to share….

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