The day has finally arrived where the iPhone 4 comes to Verizon. Many of us have been frustrated with the AT&T network for years. For example, I need a zBoost Metro at my studio in downtown Santa Rosa just to use my iPhone. Seems insane, doesn't it?

And the plot thickens. I stuck with an older iPhone 3GS because its contract expires in just a few months. So, will I switch? Parts of me would love to (many, many parts). But there are considerations:

• I do travel abroad. What will I do then?
• I have an AT&T family plan with other phones on it. Will we all switch?
• My current iPhone can do data and voice at the same time.
• How much better will Verizon really be after a full roll out?

I have a couple months to watch and see how this all pans out. In the meantime, I'm curious, will you be switching to Verizon?

Follow me on Twitter

I was one of many who was disappointed to hear that some features from the new Apple TV would not necessarily be ported to the previous version. Most notably for me was Netflix streaming.

So if I do upgrade to the new $99 version, what to do with my current model? I decided to make it the media server that I always wanted. Why not? It has a 160 GB hard drive, is WiFi network saavy, and has a remote control. Once I set it up, I don't even need the HDTV interface anymore because I can control its operations from my iPad or iPhone via the Remote app.

So I set about copying 2,430 songs from my iTunes library to the old Apple TV. This was easily handled in iTunes, which is synced to the Apple TV.

Then I downloaded the latest version of Remote for the iPad. It provides the graphical interface I need for controlling the Apple TV, including controlling the speakers on my AirPort network throughout the studio.

Remote app on the iPad controlling my Apple TV "media server". Click on image for larger view.

If I need to update the content on the Apple TV, I can just move songs from my iTunes library. It's all handled easily and without wires. And like I said, once everything is set up, you don't even have to turn on the HDTV. Apple TV will stream music throughout your network using the iPhone or iPad as the controller.

Follow me on Twitter

Even though it isn't listed on the Netflix instantly to your TV page, you can watch lots of movies and TV shows streamed from your iPad to an HDTV. The set up is easy, and the quality is remarkably good. The basic tools you need are:

• Netflix account
• Netflix iPad app (V 1.0.3 or later)
• Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
• Audio amp with speakers that you can connect to the iPad headphone jack

Using this rig, I connect the VGA Dock adapter to a VGA cable that has male prongs on both ends, then to the VGA input on my Sharp HDTV (making sure I change the input from "cable TV" to the "iPad" using the remote). This moves the video signal only, so then I connect the audio out from the headphone jack on the iPad to my sound system.

Once you start Netflix on the iPad and choose a show to watch, the app senses the output connection and sends the feed to the TV. You can watch in either full screen or letterbox (letterbox looks better on my TV) by tapping the TV icon in the upper right corner of the Netflix app. Now enjoy!

A couple notes: 1) Make sure your iPad is charged because the dock is occupied with video output. 2) You might want to dim the iPad screen before you start the Netflix app because it stays on (as the controller) during output to your HDTV. 3) If you don't want to go the Netflix route, which requires a subscription, this technique also works with the YouTube app for the iPad.

---

Follow me on Twitter

-

---

When I'm dashing to a meeting with my iPad, I prefer to tote it in a case. It's easier to hang on to, and I don't have to worry about accidentally dropping it. Initially, I tried the Apple iPad Case. Even though it functions well, it doesn't feel good in my hands. And it's not exactly a fashion statement. I decided to try two cases from Acme Made instead. And I can tell you right now, both feel and look much better.

So I packed up both the Slick Case and the Skinny Sleeve and headed off for a 10-day trip that included New York City and Bermuda. I spent time in cabs, on planes, sailing on a large ship, and hopping around on buses. Most of the time my living space was tight.

I really became attached to the Slick Case. Holding the iPad while in the case feels great. When I want to watch a video or type with the Bluetooth keyboard, I fold the case back and use it as an adjustable stand. The padded pocket is a perfect place to stash a large microfiber cloth for wiping off the iPad screen when it gets smudged. In other words, the Acme Slick Case is now my case of choice.

But I've included brief overviews of both cases, because for some the Skinny Sleeve will be more useful, especially if they want to stow their iPad in a tight space. It's a little thinner than than Slick Case. Read on to see which one is the best for you. 

Acme Made Slick Case for the iPad

The Slick Case has a book-style design that secures the iPad on one side and includes a padded sleeve on the other that can be used for documents, cables, and even your charger. It's fully padded to prevent any rubbing against the iPad glass screen. The Slick Case is idea for business meetings, coffee shops, air travel, and any other environment where you want to look sharp.

The black version has a matte finish neoprene stretch shell that feels great and maintains its good looks. There's also a glossy white edition. The lining is soft to ensure that your iPad's screen maintains its integrity. I also like the convenient double zippers. Once the case is open, you can fold it back like a magazine. This provides a very comfortable grip for the iPad, yet keeps your fingers off its glass surface. You can also use it this way as a stand when you're typing with a keyboard or viewing movies. 

The Slick Case is available for $35.

Acme Made Skinny Sleeve for the iPad

The Skinny Sleeve is also made of neoprene, but it has a high gloss outer surface with soft protective lining. In addition to its stylish design, the Skinny Sleeve is just that: a super thin case that secures your iPad, and it fits just about anywhere. It's perfect for large handbags, backpacks, and camera bags. It includes extra padding on one side to provide additional protection for your iPad screen. The $29.99 Skinny Sleeve is available in black or white. 

More iPad Articles

Will the iPad Squish my Photos?

The $2 iPad Stand

Bluetooth Keyboard and iPad - A Powerful Combination

Turn Your iPad into a Live Camera

Lowepro Classified 160 AW is Perfect Bag for iPad Toting Photographers

Coolest iPad Apps for Photogs? Keynote and CameraBag

"iPad for Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 219

The Apple Bluetooth keyboard can be paired to the iPad. By doing so, you open up a whole new world of input options for this device. In this video I show you how easy it is to navigate through a document, select text, copy, paste, and delete. You'll now love your iPad as much for productivity as you do for entertainment.

More About the iPad

"iPad for Photographers" - Digital Photography Podcast 219

Coolest iPad Apps for Photogs? Keynote and CameraBag

Follow me on Twitter

-

The CHA Show had a number of hidden gems that I found interesting. In this podcast, Stephanie joins me at the mic to review our favorite goodies from the event. Some of these discoveries are very useful!

Favorite Finds from the CHA Show

• DuroEdge Stainless Steel Rulers
• Digital Scrapbook Artist 2
• Artograph Digital Projector LED200 (available by April 2010)
• Green Screen by PhotoBasics.net

In the top photo, Stephanie Scheetz (our own TDS Creative Output editor) poses in the DuroEdge booth holding one of the stainless steel rulers. If you click on the image to reveal an enlargement, you can actually read the features of this handy workroom tool. I instantly wanted it, and will be ordering one soon. You can get the 13.5" model for $14.70.

Also shown here is Joanne Prior of Serif Software. Joanne gave us a detailed tour of Digital Scrapbook Artist 2, and I was impressed with how powerful this application is, and for less money ($49.99) than Photoshop Elements, which I consider one of the best bargains in photography. The point we make in the podcast is that you can use Scrapbook Artist for much more than scrapbooking. It's like having a total creative environment for your photographs. It is Windows only, however.

Listen to the Podcast

You can also download the podcast here (25 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Red is the Feb. 2010 Photo Assignment. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is Feb. 28, 2010.

TDS Workshops Update

The TDS Hot Air Balloon Photography Workshop in June 2010 has lost its hot air. The organizers cancelled the event for this year. Ack! So I'm working on a different event in the same time slot. Stay tuned for more information. If you'd like to get on the waiting list for upcoming workshops, please send me email with the subject line: "TDS Workshops." Those virtual camera club members who are on the waiting list get first opportunity to register for newly announced workshops. Attendance is limited to 6 for each TDS Workshop to ensure a personalized experience.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

Follow me on Twitter

-

Red River Paper -- Try the $7.99 Sample Kit.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

Dig around in your dresser drawer, and chances are that you'll find old gift boxes that are too nice to throw away, but you're not exactly sure what to do with them either. Well, Stephanie can help. In her latest Creative Output video tutorial, she shows you, step by step, how to use your photographs to transform old gift boxes into functional works of art.

This is the first in a two-part series. In part 2 she'll show you how easy it is to make your own box.

Follow me on Twitter

-

Photo artist Stephanie Scheetz shows you how to take everyday, boring gift boxes and transform them into personalized works of art using your photographs. These boxes make great gifts, or they can be used for decorative organization around the house. Stephanie walks you through this process, step by step.

This tutorial is part 1 of a two-part series. In the next show, you'll learn how to create a box from scratch by simply folding paper, including stock that has your imagery printed on it. Stay tuned!

Other Creative Output Projects with Stephanie

Stephanie has many more creative output projects waiting for you. Just visit our Creative Output section, right here on The Digital Story. Some examples are:

Shrink Plastic Jewelry (Video Tutorial)

Stencil Art from Photos (Video Tutorial)

Make a Custom Notebook Using Your Images (Video Tutorial)

Make a Custom Photo Gift Bag (Video Tutorial)

Buckle-Up Frame Present for Dad on Father's Day

A Time to Remember - Make Your Own Photo Clock

Often referred to as "shrinky dinks," shrink plastic artwork is easy to create using your own images, and inkjet printer, and a conventional oven. In this video tutorial, Stephanie Scheetz shows you how to print your pictures on the special plastic surface, then bake them into beautiful jewelry. You even get to peer inside the oven as the transformation happens before your eyes. This is episode 5 of the ongoing Creative Output series on The Digital Story.

If you want to find out more about the media Stephanie is using to create the shrink plastic jewelry, visit the Grafix web site. You can see more examples of this technique by checking out her post titled, Shrink Plastic Charms.

Other Creative Output Projects with Stephanie

Stephanie has many more creative output projects waiting for you. Just visit our Creative Output section, right here on The Digital Story. Some examples are:

Stencil Art from Photos (Video Tutorial)

Make a Custom Notebook Using Your Images (Video Tutorial)

Make a Custom Photo Gift Bag (Video Tutorial)

Buckle-Up Frame Present for Dad on Father's Day

A Time to Remember - Make Your Own Photo Clock

Packing Tape Transparencies

Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Digital Photography, technique, The Digital Story, Stencil Art, Creative Output, Stephanie Scheetz, Video Tutorial, YouTube

REDIMAT makes presenting your pictures fast and easy with their convenient REDI-PAKS. Each kit includes 25 pre-cut mat boards, backings, and plastic bags. Starting at only $27, you're sure to find something to fit just about any budget.

Be sure to check out www.redimat.com to view everything they have to offer. And, don't forget the archival tape... you can find an excellent selection of adhesives at REDIMAT, too.

Other Creative Output Projects with Stephanie

Stephanie has many more creative output projects waiting for you. Just visit our Creative Output section, right here on The Digital Story. Some examples are:

Stencil Art from Photos (Video Tutortial)

Make a Custom Notebook Using Your Images (Video Tutorial)

Make a Custom Photo Gift Bag (Video Tutorial)

Buckle-Up Frame Present for Dad on Father's Day

A Time to Remember - Make Your Own Photo Clock

Packing Tape Transparencies