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  • A Simple Hack Lets Original iPad Owners Enjoy Smart Covers Too

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, Gadgets, iPad, Rants & Raves, Tech. No Responses

    Original iPad owners can also use Apple’s revolutionary Smart Cover on their tablet. This news comes directly from the hack’s developer, Dan Provost, who posted directions on The Russians Used A Pencil blog.

    The Smart Cover line, like the iPad 2 itself, is fast becoming one of the top tech stories of 2011. Simple in design, the Cover protects the tablet’s glass front, while also serving as something of an on/off switch, thanks to its inclusion of 31 magnets.

    Out of the box, a Smart Cover will not work on an original iPad, since the first generation iDevice doesn’t come with magnets. However, using $.20 block magnets, 3/8” x 3/16” x 1/32” (found here), Provost was able to create a perfect fix.

    Here are the directions:

    To place the magnets, I stuck them first to the magnetized hinge of the Smart Cover. I slid them around until they became locked into a position. This ended being asymmetrical, but I didn’t mind. I then lined up the cover with the iPad and used masking tape to mark where the magnets should be placed. I wanted this to be a somewhat permanent solution, so I used super glue to affix the magnets to the iPad. If you are not so daring, or want to test it out to make sure you like it, just use transparent tape. Even though the super glue keeps the magnets secure and in place, they are actually pretty easy to remove by just “chipping” them off with a flathead screwdriver and a very light tap of the hammer.

    Here is the finished product:

    [via AppAdvice]

  • iPad 2: Wife Says No, but Apple Says Yes

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, Funny, iPad, Rants & Raves, Rumors No Responses

    There are many reasons one would give when returning an iPad 2. However, telling Apple it was because of a spouse is probably not an answer often heard. Until now.

    According to MacRumors, Apple is paying close attention to all iPad 2 returns during the first few weeks to make sure there are no major production defects. This policy has led to an amusing story that we thought was entertaining enough to share.

    The story comes by way of an individual close to Apple:

    [Apple’s] focus this week has been to troubleshoot all the iPad 2s that customers are returning to the stores. One iPad came back with a post it note on it that said “Wife said no.” It was escalated as something funny, and two of the VPs got wind of it. They sent the guy an iPad 2 with a note on it that said “Apple said yes.“

    We’re guessing a free iPad satisfied any objection the customer’s wife might have had.

  • The Hobbit Movie Begins Shooting

    // Gradly // blog, Movies, News, Rants & Raves No Responses

    The two new Hobbit movies are finally on their way. following months of delays caused by funding problems, a row over actors’ wages and surgery for its director. Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand, directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed the hit Lord of the Rings trilogy. Though New Zealand unions threatened to strike over wages, but Jackson fought back with a promise to take filming to Eastern Europe, which would mean “a long, dry big-budget movie drought in this country,” according to Jackson. After this, New Zealand’s government changed wage laws and passed tax breaks to ensure filming stayed in the country. The book will be presented in two films, the first set to be released in late 2012.

    Also, New Line, and MGM have released the movies official Facebook page.

    Cast Listings:

    Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur)James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Woodas Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

    Plot Synopsis:

    The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

    Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

    Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

    [More at BBC News]

  • New Creepy Trailer for Darren Bousman’s 11-11-11 Thriller Movie

    // Gradly // blog, Horror, Movies, News, Rants & Raves No Responses

    A new creepy trailer for Darren Lynn Bousman‘s upcoming 11-11-11 Thriller Movie. 11-11-11 Movie stars Timothy Gibbs, Michael Landes, Wendy Glenn, Lluis Soler, Ángela Rosal, Brendan Price, Salomé Jimenez, Benjamin Cook, and Montse Alcoverro.

    Synopsis:

    After the tragic death of his wife and child, famed American author Joseph Crone travels from the United States to Barcelona, Spain, to reunite with his estranged brother, Samuel, and dying father, Richard. However, fate has a different plan for Joseph as his life becomes plagued with strange happenings and the constant sightings of the number 11. Curiosity quickly turns to obsession, and Joseph soon realizes that this number holds a horrific meaning not only to himself but possibly to all of religion. Isolated in a foreign country with only the support of his companion, Sadie, Joseph soon realizes that 11/11/11 is more than just a date; it’s a WARNING!