The U N I E A Blog

Articles covering iPhone cases, iPad cases, laptop cases, and technology.

UNIEA’s teamed up with chic designers HosannArt and Lollipopia for our first ever line of phone cases for the “iPhone Killer”! Just to give you a brief background on these two designers: HosannArt was born in Hong Kong in 2007 and was quickly known locally and internationally for their adorable, child-like characters and unique drawing style. Lollipopia was founded by Leon Lai who found the inspiration for his designs during a shopping trip in London, from an old photo of a girl playing with her Jack Russell terrier.

"Lollipopia Isabella" - This one's my personal favorite out of the Lollipopia designs.

Now a lot of you are probably thinking, “Well, these cases are clearly catering to women only. That’s hardly effective.” But if you think about it, having a whole line of cases with feminine GS2 cases is a smart move. Most smartphone and Android consumers slash fanatics belong to the relatively younger or aging hipster bracket of society, and to be a little bit more specific, women are more patient with and do better on touch screens. Note our tiny appendages.

I imagine these cases selling to women of all ages. Since the “vintage” vibe and appeal hasn’t wavered and only seems to be peaking, I think the same women who spend hours on Look Book, Polyvore and Tumblr, would spend $29.95 on one of Lollipopia’s cases. They have a laid back, retro and pin-up look about them that captures even my interest. Look at the cute little doggie!

HosannArt "Go For Your Dreams"

Considering my personal style, I’d focus more on getting my hands on all the Lollipopia designs, but if I had to pick a favorite out of the HosannArt designs, I’d choose the “Go For Your Dream” design only because the colors are so easy on the eyes. I’d imagine it’d be hard for someone to see me holding my phone in this case and not at least think it’s cute. I could definitely see these HosannArt designs on the younger Samsung GS2 owners, or on moms that derive as much pleasure from looking at cute cartoon little girls as they do from looking at their toddler all day.

I think this movement UNIEA is making with their phone cases is an excellent idea. It’s a breath of fresh air! There really is no constant and dire need for maximum protection in a serious-looking case. Let Bear Grylls or an absolute klutz worry about having a less fun-looking case for their phone. For everyone else, there are cases like these. Fresh, different and expressive.

Want to check out the full collection of new UNIEA cases for the GS2? Click here. Plus, as an added bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for 10% off your order, just for reading this blog!

I still remember the time when designer bags were replaced by storm with tiny dogs wearing designer clothes. Everyone who was anyone brought around with them everywhere a shivering chihuahua wearing booties, and something with rhinestones and faux fur. A dog wearing a fur coat… never really got the logic, but I guess Hollywood finds it endearing.

U-Suit Folio - Indie Flick for iPhone 4

Either the tiny dogs have passed on, or lugging around a bag just started to make more sense, but the whole “dress me up” obsession is now all about having the best-looking iPhone. Ever since the very first iPhone hit the shelves, we’ve seen every kind of color, pattern and material painstakingly designed for the phone market monster that is the iPhone. All this for the sake of simply enhancing the look of the device, because let’s admit it, the iPhone – in any generation – is already handsome. Now, because the iPhone caters more to younger consumers, it’s more common to hear “Oh, I want this case. It’s so cute,” compared to “Oh, this case is a good shock absorber.” It’s all about making people notice you and your iPhone, and whatever message you wish to send across about your style and personality. Basically, the point I’m trying to drive at is that cases for the iPhone have always been just a cherry on top of an already good-looking device. People rarely ever seek out an iPhone case based on necessity.

Samsung Galaxy S2

But how do phone cases fare for the other smartphones on the market? Let’s have a look at the iPhone 4′s prime competitor: the Samsung Galaxy S2. Want my two cents? It looks awkward. It’s okay laid out on its back, but I’m definitely not a fan of the rear. It’s a far cry from how the iPhone 4 looks, which is why I think most GS2 owners really would see a phone case as a necessity, and not just something to add to a collection or to match with an outfit. It’s been given the nickname “iPhone Monster”. Well, I think a case – any case – is a must to cover up that awkward back end.

Seeing as how the GS2 is relatively new on the market there aren’t much to go on in terms of making a statement with your phone case. Almost everything’s monochromatic and rather serious-looking as of the moment, which is a little bit of a good thing since GS2 owners would have no choice but to invest in a less bold-looking case that in turn antes up on safety for the device itself.

Latest word on the phone case market is, UNIEA’s releasing its first ever line of Android cases. This includes cases designed to fit the GS2 to a tee, and cases bold enough to make you want to start a collection. Who says iPhone users are the only ones who can have dress-me-up fun?

Thanks for reading our article! If you’re looking for iPhone cases and/or GS2 cases, UNIEA has them both! Plus, as an added bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for an addition 10% off your order, just for reading this article!

Normally, I wouldn’t go for a matchy-matchy look. The key to feeling good in your own skin and looking good in your clothes is to COMPLEMENT. I’ve always lived by this rule because, well, I’m not Barbie. However, there are times when a monochrome is important for a less cluttered look.

Take your gadgets, for example. Considering you’re the type to set up a sort of Fort Knox of devices around you and your work area, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to look like you’re playing with Lego. This is probably one of the very few times matchy-matchy is a must, if you want to be taken seriously. A no-brainer way to accomplish this is to just pick a line of cases/bags/sleeves and just work your way down from what houses your laptop to what your zip up around your smaller devices.

The UNIEA Omniverse Series is a perfect example of monochromatic ease. Let’s have a look the black items this line carries.

All the items in the Omniverse series have that cool quilted look which gives off that durable yet not-so-uptight vibe. The silk fiber exterior makes it dirt and water resistant, while the memory foam lining allows effective shock absorption and a snug fit.

Omniverse Backpack for up to 15.6-inch laptops

Look! It’s a laptop backpack! Personally, I really do think a backpack is the most comfortable way to be mobile with your laptop. It has several zippered compartments for carrying your peripherals, papers and other necessities, while a separate padded and snug velcro compartment is dedicated solely to the safety of your laptop. If you’ve read my previous article about laptop bags, you’ll know I’m a sucker for anything with a LOT of pockets and internal organization so I’m pretty sold on the idea of this bag also having two zippered side pockets. I don’t even know what else I can put in this bag, but all the compartments excite me.

Omniverse Universal Tote for 11.6-13" laptops

Unless of course, what you have is a MacBook Air, or you’re the type who isn’t constantly on the go and you just need a safe way to carry your laptop on the rare occasions you go from point A to point B, you’re better off investing in a tote.

See, this one comes in black, too.

You’re probably sitting there thinking, “Oh it’s just another laptop bag.” You’re wrong. The good thing about this tote is that you can convert it into a sleeve by stowing the handles away. It has durable and snug nylon fasteners at the corners so you don’t have to go through the hassle and risky business of having to slip your laptop out of the bag to get down to work. The memory foam helps in heat dissipation too. And, yes, it’s still all about the pockets over here for me. It has huge ones on either side.

For your smaller gadgets such as your iPad, phone and external hard drive, the Omniverse line also carries cases and totes that can easily match your laptop bag, as well as each other. If you’re really into an all black fleet of gadgetry then, by all means, avail of everything black in the line. Personally though, I’d go with red variants for the smaller guns. Just imagine how cute these two would look with a sleek black laptop bag. It’s all up to you, really. Go serious with the monochrome, or do bold contrasts. Either way, the quilted look of the Omniverse line makes it look as though you meant to put everything together.

Omniverse 9.7 inch Sleeve for iPad (handles stowed away)

2.5 inch case for Portable Hard Disk and Mobile devices

 

 

Thanks for reading our article! If you want to check out our full line of matching Omniverse bags, click here. As an added bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for an extra 10% off your Omniverse purchase, just for reading this article! Cool!

With how fashion is these days, I’m half-convinced women have it hard. Sure we’re a treat to look at, but behind every skin-tight dress and tight spandex running shorts is a frustrated lady at a loss to decide whether to leave her iPhone or find some way to lug it along without having to smother it in palm sweat, or subject it to scratches from the bottomless pit that is her handbag.

God forbid the occasion calls for a teeny-tiny purse.

Then what? Unless men don’t mind paying for anything, we won’t mind leaving the house with just the phone and our lipstick. But of course, we’re living in changed times now. If the junk fits, bring it.

Although of course, there are times when a purse just isn’t an option, and fanny packs (although existent) are bulky and just plain horrendous. Case in point: hitting the gym or going for a run. The gym is no place for a woman’s purse. Where to keep the phone then? Only two things come to mind right now, and sadly, only one exists.

First off, I wish Victoria’s Secret would design a bra that had a pocket for a lady’s cellphone. That… would be glorious. I can only imagine the convenience! Your phone’s going to be tucked away safely because, let’s face it – there are a lot of pick-pockets, but not many boob-ransackers. This should be perfect for biking, working out, running, and could be even be made acceptable in some dimly lit social avenues such as clubbing. Imagine a world without missed calls and delayed replies, because every vibrating alert will get even the busiest woman’s attention.

Something More Than an iPhone Case

UNIEA U-Motion: Runner Series armband

The second solution is something a lot less intimate than an iPhone-bearing brazier, but definitely more aesthetically pleasing than a fanny pack – an armband. Now, there are a lot of iPhone case options for these things out on the market, but check out UNIEA’s take on an armband — the U-Motion — designed specifically for an iPhone or an iPod Touch.

Initial plus points were scored because the shape is fluid and is easy on the eyes. The logo placement is not at all tacky. It hugs your device to maintain a fit as lean as an athlete should be, while the thick adjustable velcro strap makes sure it lays flat and still. Made of lightweight and water-repellant neoprene, this design made sure wearing a device 4.5 inches long and nearly half an inch thick wouldn’t feel like you’ve strapped on a utility belt around your arm.

Easy In, Easy out

 

A couple of other note-worthy features of the U-Motion armband is its easy slip-in feature. Easily slide your device in through an elastic slot which self-seals to protect your iPhone or iPod Touch from moisture and from slipping out during a good run, or even during deliberate attempts of sabotage.

Velcro cable management

Second is the incorporation of a velcro earbuds holder, so even if your hair’s a tangled mess, your device isn’t.

Truth be told, you might be disinclined to wear the U-Motion out clubbing or in a work environment — two places where pockets for an iPhone case may not be handy, but where you most definitely need access to your iPhone or iPod. But there are other more elegant options for toting your iPhone or iPod, such as UNIEA’s SafeLine neck strap, which I talked about in another article.

iphone case on bikini

Sorry -- no iPhone cases are built in to the modern bikini. But the U-Motion armband might work.

That being said, there’s no reason why the U-Motion can’t come with you on a variety of different excursions that transcend the gym, jogging path, or hiking trail. n a hot summer day when you’re showing some skin in a casual outfit, the U-Motion would look at home on your arm as much as a watch or bracelet would look nice on your wrist.

And even though the U-Motion doesn’t necessarily offer a 100% sealed pouch for the iPhone and iPod, it is most definitely water and sand resistant, which means that you could even pair it up with your favorite bikini — just so long as you remember to take it off and stow it away safely before rollicking in the sea or sand.

Thanks for reading our article! Are you interesting in checking out UNIEA’s U-Motion armband for the iPhone and iPod? Click here to take a look. Plus, as an added bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for an extra 10% off your purchase, just for reading this blog post! Act now!

"UNIEA Safeline"

The UNIEA Safeline: Innovative Neck Strap

Read Anna’s rundown of the only antidote for your trusty iPhone case — the SafeLine lets you wear your iPhone or iPod Touch around your neck wherever you go!

Now I’ve seen neck straps come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but none that attaches to the device directly the way this does. It’s a neck strap that can literally plug right into your iPhone or iPod using the device’s dock feature. I don’t know about you, but when I first saw this, I saw more of a leap of faith than a “let it all hang out” kind of purchase for my iPod. I mean, if you think about it at first, it’s kind of like wearing the white cable that comes in your device’s box around your neck. You immediately think, “How safe is this thing?” It comes out at the end of September, so I decided to do a little bit of research on it.

This unique design automatically scored style points with me because of the patch of leather bearing the product logo. It doesn’t make you come off like you’re a walking ad at all. Sophisticated, discreet logo placement is always a plus for me. Another thing I noticed were the buttons – smoothly and discreetly maintained in their usual places.

"UNIEA Safeline Neck Straps

Available colors for Safeline Neck Straps

The next thing I find impressive about UNIEA’s Safeline Neck Strap is the vast numer of options when it comes to choosing the actual strap you loop around the plug base. I’m actually excited to choose from the pink, white, silver and brown variants because they ante up on the product’s sophistication by being made of braided leather. Aside from the Heart of the Ocean, a leather strap would be the only thing I would allow to hang around my neck and bear considerable weight.

Not that it’s in any way bragging, but I personally think the sleek design of the iPhone or iPod Touch is too good to hide away in a bag or a pocket (much less in an iPod or iPhone case sometimes as well). Neck straps do just that. It’s just that, UNIEA’s adds the sophistication of leather to it.

Clearly, the Safeline Neck Strap does well in terms of style, but does it have potential in the safety and functionality departments? Based on what I’ve read, it actually does on three levels.

First, the block-ish shape of the plug base prevents your device from spinning or flailing around when you’re strolling or even brisk-walking. It allows the device to more or less stay flat against your chest – assuming you’re not doing jumping jacks, of course.

Second, the pair of anodized buttons found on the base give a firm grip inside the device, and won’t be fazed by even the most enthusiastic and hyperactive individuals. Unless of course said hyperactivity involves actually pressing firmly on the dual buttons, then you’ve got yourself a dropped iPhone/iPod.

Thirdly, while the neck strap base is “plugged in” to your device, the dock is covered and is then of course shielded from moisture and debris. Not to mention you won’t ever have to worry about sitting on and crushing your device anymore because you’ve promoted it from pocket-dwelling to neckline-hanging.

Overall, I think the UNIEA Safeline is worth the “leap of faith” this September 30th, and I personally can’t wait to try it out and see it catch on in the U.S.

Be sure to check all of the unique iPod Touch, iPad 2, and iPhone cases, as well as a wide range of our electronics accessories, at Uniea.com. as an added bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for an extra 10% off your purchase, just for reading this article. Check it out!

TheBrick White USB 2 Hub in White

TheBrick White USB 2 Hub in White

Do you have USB cables coming out the wazoo and not enough sockets to plug them into? Check out Geekanoids’ revealing and albeit imperfect review of UNIEA’s TheBrick USB 2 Hub!

Nowadays, its seems like everything has either a USB cable and/or a USB socket. From the mini USB ports found on smartphones to the rows of USB sockets available on the average desktop, I half expect the next poppyseed bagel I get from Dunkin’ Donuts to have a USB plug sticking out of it.

That being said, laptops are notoriously ill-equipped to deal with the ever-rising tide of mobile devices and peripherals that need USB connectivity in order to recharge and transfer data. Even my somewhat outdated Macbook Pro, which once seemed to be teeming with USB sockets, only manages two of them — and I always find myself needing just one more.

If you’re in need of some plugage for all of your USB-tipped gadgets, going with a USB Hub makes a whole lot of sense. UNIEA’s TheBrick series of peripheral hubs features an affordable USB 2 Hub that looks particularly great with the clean, minimalistic lines of the Macbook. As seen in the photo above, TheBrick USB 2 Hub has four USB outlets, and runs on bus power, making it as mobile as your laptop. It also comes with a USB extension cord, in case you need a little bit slack running TheBrick USB 2 Hub from your laptop to your other USB devices.

Dave Cryer at Geekanoids, who has been a long-standing honest broker of UNIEA products, recently put up this review of TheBrick USB Hub. He fudged the price a little, misquoting it as being $35.00 instead of $25.00 (we think he was thinking of TheBrick Combo Hub, which combines both USB ports and memory card readers). He also failed to mention that the “Lego-style” housing for TheBrick is actually stackable, allowing you connect several TheBrick products together in one neat Lego-y stack.

That being said, Dave’s got a cool British accent, and you can catch him perusing the device in the flesh in the video below. Take a look!

 

 

Also, don’t forget: you can use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout if you want to pick up TheBrick USB 2 Hub and get 10% off, just for reading our blog! Go for it!

Unless you’re someone who goes on safari, works on the Deadliest Catch show, or an absolute klutz, then dressing your iPad 2 in silicone, TPU and boring plastic and rubber isn’t necessary. If you’re sure your iPad 2 only ever needs something to keep it safe from scratches and a light drizzle, then give it an iPad 2 case that provides just the right amount of protection, but antes up on style. There are so many materials to choose from out there. I’ve picked out these three from UNIEA’s line of iPad 2 cases:

This bright-colored denim/canvas hybrid Caj Pad iPad 2 case is perfect for a fresh look. Perfect for someone in their teens, or anyone who wants to tone the “serious” down a few notches. Personally, I love the color, especially if it’s wrapped around a white iPad.

Caj Pad - Canvas iPad 2 Folio Case

Caj Pad - Canvas iPad 2 Folio Case

If orange is a bit too bold and high-profile for your taste, the denim version of the Caj Pa iPad 2 case gives the same casual feel as its canvas counterpart. You won’t have to worry about it clashing with whatever you’re wearing. I like the low-maintenance vibe of the denim because it feels good in your hands and it doesn’t instantly showcase whatever dust and gunk it manages to gather.

Caj Pad - Denim iPad 2 Folio Case

Caj Pad - Denim iPad 2 Folio Case

If you’re looking for people to take you and your device a bit more seriously – say, you bring your iPad 2 to the office and in meetings – this brown leather iPad 2 case would be perfect. Black leather is fine, sure, but it kind of sends out the message, “I am too busy to have good-looking things.” Leather, in a different color, will always strike that perfect balance between structure and individuality.

Caj Pad - Canvas iPad 2 Folio CaseDenim / Canvas Hard Flip Case for iPad 2

Thanks for reading our article! UNIEA carries a wide range of iPad 2 cases, including all of the models you’ve seen here. Plus, as an added bonus, you can use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for an additional 10% off all of these cases, just for reading this article. Take a look!

While you’re at it, say hello to me on UNIEA’s Twitter and Facebook pages. I’d love to hear what you think about our new iPad 2 cases. Talk to you soon!

edge-to-edge iPhone 5 screenRead about the latest rumors of a larger edge-to-edge screen on the iPhone 5, and how consumer electronics accessories designers may have to rethink the traditional iPhone case.

The newest trend in smartphone design: bigger is better. Long gone are the days where infinitely tiny mobile phones were en vogue; now, because people use their smartphones for way more than just making phone calls, users are calling for larger, wider touch screens.

A new rumor today suggests that the Motorola Droid Bionic — slated for release in September along with the iPhone 5 — will sport a mammoth 4.5″ touch screen, moving the Droid Bionic into mini tablet-like specs. Currently, Sprint’s dual-screened Kyrocera Echo combines to make a beefy touch screen as well that all but dwarfs the current dimensions of the iPhone 4.

U-Feel - Actor Series for iPhone 4

UNIEA's U-Feel - Actor Series for iPhone 4

Ever since the launch of the iPhone 5 rumor mill, prognosticators have predicted that Apple would equip the next iPhone with a larger screen — most likely in the 4″ range — without changing the overall specs of the chassis and form factor. They’d do this by way of an edge-to-edge screen, that would utilize OLED screen technology to have the screen go to the bleeding edge of the iPhone 5, thus eradicating the bezel that surrounds most smartphone screens.

If the iPhone 5 sports a screen like this, iPhone users will rejoice. But for iPhone case designers, it will pose a new challenge to developing protective iPhone cases.

The average, shell-style iPhone case makes use of the bezel — or “frame” that surrounds the screen — as a key surface for keeping the case secure; most iPhone case wrap around the bezel or “snap” into it, thus creating a tight fit on both the front and back of the iPhone. In the case of an edge-to-edge screen, however, there may be very little or no bezel for the iPhone case to grab onto, exposing a critical weakness in the protectiveness of the case that could let in dust, dirt, and moisture, not to mention a “catch point” that could get caught on trouser pockets and other hazards.

Omniverse Black 2.5-inch Case

UNIEA's Omniverse Black 2.5-inch Case Fits the iPhone

In a sense, if the iPhone 5 turned out to be a larger device that still featured a bezel surrounding the screen, it would be an easier task for iPhone case designers to tackle: they would simply need to “inflate” the current designs featured on iPhone 4 cases.

The “Smart Bezel” — A Complex Possibility for iPhone Cases

Adding to the complexity of an edge-to-edge screen could be the advent of a “smart bezel” on the next iPhone that would further complicate iPhone case designs. A smart bezel would offer iPhone users a separate touch surface around the border of the screen that could offer volume and navigation controls without the need for manual buttons. To be sure, it would be a sophisticated new feature for the iPhone 5.

However, an iPhone case would need to accommodate the smart bezel, since it would need to be both exposed and protected.

If the iPhone 5 turns out to sport either a smart bezel or an edge-to-edge screen, it very well may lead to a revolution in iPhone case design, moving away from the traditional “shell cases” that snap onto the device, and instead moving toward sleeves and holsters that the iPhone would slide and out of. It may not be the most convenient option for the average iPhone user, but it might turn out to be the only option.

Thanks for reading our article! Did you know that UNIEA carries a wide range of iPhone 4 cases? Be sure to take a look. As a bonus, use promo code UNIEABLOG at checkout for 10% off your total purchase, just for reading this article. act now!

Read fashion writer Anna Tan’s take on a pair of UNIEA offerings — the U-Sleaf Smart Grip series of laptop bags and the U-Suit Premium iPad 2 case — and how they satisfy her desire for protective gadget cases that deliver on style.

custom writing custom writing

I’m not going to deny it. I’m one of those Mac users who treat their Macbook like it’s a newborn baby. I want it clean, safe and cute all at the same time, 24/7. Despite my overprotectiveness, ever since I got my 13-inch MBP last Christmas, I’ve settled for carrying it around in what looks like a cross between a laptop bag and a breathable sleeve. Then again, the only bag part about it is it zips up and has a pair of rather flimsy-looking handles, and I don’t think it has the kind of protection I’d want my baby to have against shock and the elements. So lately, I’ve been on the lookout for a laptop bag that has sturdy written all over it. Oh, and let’s not forget I need to look good lugging it around too.

laptop bag

UNIEA's U-Sleaf Smart Grip Series of Laptop Bags

A Laptop Bag I’m Not Ashamed To Carry

The UNIEA U-Sleaf Smart Grip laptop bag definitely looks promising. For the price and in comparison to the dinky “bag” I currently own, this universal bag packs on a lot of value. I bought my current bag for around the same price as this U-Sleaf laptop bag last January, so I’m looking forward to getting more functionality and aesthetic value with this one. Honestly, based on the picture alone, I’m totally sold on those chunky handles. They seem to send the message, “Even a monkey couldn’t drop this.”

Aside from being a total mother to my Macbook, I’m also quite particular with my gadgets’/peripherals’ organization, so pockets and slots are important to me. I plan to put my tiny USB mouse and charger in the front zippered pocket (all beautifully and anally retentively coiled, of course). The back unzippered pockets I’d most likely use for slipping in a slim notepad or a compact mousepad. continue reading…

U-Feel - Actor Series iPhone Case for iPhone 4

U-Feel - Actor Series iPhone Case for iPhone 4

Ever since the iPhone came out, many people became case fanatics. If you look into case companies, many cater to the iPhone and make iPhone cases the centerpiece of their product lines. Many case companies only make iPhone cases. As a result, most Android users have slim pickings when looking for cases.

When the first iPhone came out in 2007, I was so amazed by the form factor, that I never covered it up with a case. I’m assuming that that was the main reason why my original iPhone ended up looking so terrible after one year. After the first iPhone, I learned my lesson and searched for a case for my iPhone 3G. My first case was an inexpensive rubber case. This case did not last long at all. I then realized that if I can spend $200 on a phone, I can spend a little more than a few dollars to protect it.

I began to search for the ultimate iPhone case.

I went through rubber cases, TPU cases, plastic cases and several more. By the time I found some cases I liked, the next iPhone (3GS) was being announced. I was pretty much infuriated that I would have to buy all new cases if Apple decided to change up the design.

As we all know, that was not the case (pun intended). Of course, things changed when the iPhone 4 was released. I had to start all over again buying cases — this time, iPhone 4 cases.

continue reading…