The world of gadget sleeves is about to be revolutionised thanks to ColcaSac and their 100% natural, hemp cases. Their eco-friendly views are obvious when looking at the materials involved, but when you look at the design you will realise that quality has not been sacrificed, but gained.

The heavy duty hemp material that the cases/sleeves are made from is the toughest natural fibre in the world, and is grown rapidly and plentifully in rural China; making it a reliable, reusable source.

At GearZap, we are initially going to be stocking two designs; Zagora (a dark grey/black colour, pictured below) and Hanakapiai (the brown design pictured above) as a MacBook Air 11 sleeve, a MacBook Air 13 sleeve and as a MacBook Pro 13 sleeve, which also fits the standard MacBook 13″.

Whether you are looking for a MacBook case or a MacBook sleeve, you must consider a ColcaSac as they are one of the most stylish sleeves around and possess excellent protective capabilities thanks to its thick, strong material and secure velcro flap.

However, it doesn’t stop there. We also have the Zagora and the Hanakapiai available as a Kindle cover or a Kindle sleeve, meaning that you can keep your Kindle 3 completely protected from scratches and damage and enhance the look of it whilst you are carrying it around.

Order one online before 6pm and we will dispatch it today!

With the launch of every new product, no matter how big or small, there will always be things that don’t quite suit everyone. The new MacBook Air is no different, with many different things that seem to be getting on peoples nerves or not being to their taste. At GearZap, we are determined to improve the experience that everyone has with their device, which is why we have a range of products that can improve your new MacBook Air.

Firstly, we have been hearing that the picture quality on the new Air’s are not all that great, and even heard in some instances a ‘gradient’ effect is being displayed on peoples screens. We searched high and low to find a solution to this, and managed to find this SGP MacBook screen protector:

Available as a MacBook Air 11 screen protector and as a MacBook Air 13 screen protector, this ‘crystal clear’ protector is not only 100% transparent and therefore doesn’t hinder your screen brightness, it is also designed to improve the images on screen. That’s right – improve. It uses a unique glass-like coating which protects your screen from scratches and damage and increases image sharpness and improves contrast.

We have also heard that the new MacBook Air has a few problems with overheating. To overcome this problem, we have a ThermaPak HeatShift pad:

The HeatShift pad is specifically designed as a 13″ cooling pad, but there’s nothing stopping use for an 11″ either. The pad is cleverly designed to disperse hot air through its channels of airflow and also through its unique cooling crystals that change from a solid to a gel like state, and extract heat during all stages – even after several hours of usage.

One problem that we have been hearing about is specifically for the MacBook Air 11, but this product can also be used with the 13″ so may be beneficial to all users and owners of the new Air, the Moshi MacBook card reader:

The new MacBook Air 11 doesn’t come with an SD card slot, meaning that the many people with an SD card are unable to easily transfer their files onto their MacBook. This card reader takes away that problem, as it plugs into the USB port of the MacBook Air – but don’t think that it wastes one of your USB ports, it comes with a dual-USB port on it, meaning you actually gain one rather than losing one! It is actually compatible with all memory card types, and its brushed aluminium finish matches that of the MacBook Air, and the two compliment each other perfectly.

According to users that have compared using the MacBook Air 11 to the MacBook Air 13, the MacBook Air 11 is not as comfortable to use as the MacBook Air 13, due its palm rest. We have a solution to that also! With the Power Support protection pack:

The primary purpose of this MacBook Air protection pack is, as suggested in the name, to protect your MacBook Air. It comes with a palm and trackpad protector, keeping the bottom area of your new Air protected from scratches, damage and fingerprints. However, the palm protector is actually made from a cushioned material with increases comfort during use – making use of the MacBook Air 11″ 2011 much more comfortable to use.

Find these and a whole load of other MacBook accessories at our website, GearZap.com.

We have decided to run through some of our favourite MacBook Air accessories to celebrate the launch of the new MacBook Air. As far as we are concerned, these products are ‘must-haves’ when it comes to protecting and improving the stylish image of your new MacBook Air – or even for your older MacBook Air.

Firstly we are going to look at the Power Support anti-glare screen protector:

Power Support make a wide range of protective products for almost all devices that are available at the moment, and have really revolutionised the world of screen protectors with high quality, long lasting protectors that even have some interesting unique features.

This screen protector is anti-glare, and uses clever design to absorb and diffuse light – meaning that you won’t be looking into glare when you are using your MacBook Air in sunlight or under a light. However, the image quality and brightness are not affected. This is available if you are looking for a MacBook Air 11 screen protector or a MacBook Air 13 screen protector, and is the perfect addition to your MacBook Air in order to keep your screen free from scratches, damage and unnecessary amounts of light reflection.

Secondly, we are going to look at the Aviiq Portable Laptop Stand:

The Aviiq Portable Quick Stand is brand new and the word about it is spreading faster and faster – it has a highly unique feature – it is the world’s thinnest laptop stand. Not only is it ridiculously thin, but it also looks incredibly stylish. However, just because it is thin and stylish – don’t think that it isn’t tough. It is made from unique HyLite material that won’t bend or get damaged, and it will easily support the weight of your laptop – even though it weighs just 5.5oz (0.16kg) and is less than a quarter of an inch thick when folded together, making transportation extremely easy as you can just pop it inside your bag or pocket.

The ergonomic design of the stand makes typing much more comfortable both on the wrists and on the eyes, as it adjusts your laptop to a better angle for vision, helping to prevent wrist and eye strain. As your laptop or MacBook is also lifted up off of the stand, it also improves ventilation and prevents your device from overheating. This really is the perfect laptop or MacBook stand.

The next thing to look at is the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable:

This Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable name might not mean anything to you, but it really is one of the must-have MacBook accessories to have. Why is it? Because it is a MacBook to TV cable. This particular cable connects your video and audio from your MacBook Air straight to your HDTV. If you don’t have a HDTV, have a read of our MacBook to TV cable guide to see which cable(s) you need.

This cable allows you to show off all of your images, video footage, play games on your HDTV from your MacBook and all of the audio is also supported.

Next we come onto a MacBook bag, the STM Scout Shoulderbag:

The STM Scout Extra Small MacBook Air 11 bag is perfect for transporting your MacBook Air 11″. If you want a MacBook Air 13 bag, it is unfortunately unavailable in black at the moment, but we do have it in other colours and a whole range of other MacBook bags.

This bag keeps your MacBook Air separated from other items in your bag, keeping it fully protected from scratches and damages. There is also easily enough room for your charger, your phone, a tablet, documents, books, magazines and any other everyday essentials – without adding extreme bulk and remaining easy to carry at all times.

Finally, we need to look at a MacBook Air case. We are going to look at a very popular case of ours at the moment, the Gumdrop Surf Convertible:

This form-fitting case from Gumdrop has cut-outs for all of your ports and features, meaning that your MacBook Air can remain inside of its case at all times, even during use and charging. The stylish exterior is great on the eye and to the touch, and is only a couple of millimetres thick – meaning that weight and bulk are hardly contributed to, keeping your MacBook Air as slimline as it was designed to be.

With the brand new MacBook Air (mid 2011) release, it’s not only the Apple device that got us all excited. We have been selling MacBook cases for a long time now, but with every new model comes new cases with new styles and all-improved areas of protection – and we were the first to track some down. We have decided to round up 5 of our favourites, new and old, to help you to decide on your perfect MacBook Air case.

Gumdrop Surf Convertible:

This stylish MacBook Air 11 case and MacBook Air 13 case gives high-quality, form fitting protection against scratches and damage for your MacBook Air. Not only does it walk the walk, but it also talks the talk with its soft, micro-fibre exterior and vibrant blue colour. Available for £39.95 for both sizes, this is at the upper end of the market, which proves the true quality of the design and manufacturing of this case.

Booq Viper Hard case:

For those that prefer a case in its rawest form, this may be the option that suits you best. The Booq Viper MacBook Air case is made from ballistic nylon, one of the toughest materials around in cases at the moment, meaning that your MacBook Air is protected from all damage that could possibly be picked up during usual daily mishaps. The material is also waterproof, giving you excellent all-weather protection. The tough exterior is contrasted with soft internal lining that keeps your MacBook Air in place and keeps it looking newer for longer. The £34.95 price tag represents the true quality that this case has to offer. It is also available for both the Air 11 and Air 13.

Incipio Feather Case:

At less than 1mm thin, the Incipio feather MacBook Air cases are the ultimate in slimline protection. Infact, if the case was transparent, we’re confident that you wouldn’t even notice it. This case just so happens to be in purple, an extremely popular colour of case at the moment (although it is available in more colours for both sizes of the Air). Just because it is so thin and inconspicuous, don’t think that it doesn’t offer some of the very best protection around, because it does. Helping to prevent all scratches and damage that could be picked up, this £39.95 form fitting allows you to use all of the features on your MacBook Air whilst remaining inside the case at all times. Its soft touch matte finish is an even further added bonus.

SGP Mahogany Wood:

Some people may prefer a MacBook Air skin, rather than a case, and this SGP Mahogany Wood skin is one of the best. Giving excellent scratch resistance is one of the main benefits of this skin, and it also improves the amount of grip that you have whilst holding your MacBook Air. A cleaning cloth is actually included in with the set, and it is easy to apply and can be removed and reused whenever you wish. One of the best things about a skin is that it adds literally no bulk or weight to your MacBook Air whatsoever, harmonising and complimenting with the sleek body design of the MacBook Air. Other than that, the mahogany effect design is pretty darn cool. Unfortunately this skin is currently only available for the MacBook Air 13, but its £21.95 price tag is almost too good to be true.

Be.ez LArobe MacBook Air sleeve:

Finally, to round off our list of hottest cases for the new MacBook Air, we thought that we should definitely include a MacBook Air sleeve. This sleeve is available in different colours as a MacBook Air 11 sleeve and as a MacBook Air 13 sleeve, the example that we’ve shown in this list is the exciting ‘Black and Wasabi’ colour combination. This polyurethane, neoprene-esque sleeve has unique shock absorbing qualities, meaning that your MacBook Air remains safe even in the unlikely event of a drop from your hand to the floor. The soft, slow depression material moulds to the shape of your device giving increased protection over time. At just £22.95, this may be an option that a lot of you consider to protect your brand new 2011 MacBook Air.

There aren’t many things more exciting than a MacBook, but one thing that definitely is more exciting is seeing and hearing your MacBook on a much bigger screen. There are a large variety of ways that you can achieve this, and it’s all a little confusing. Here at GearZap, we decided to help you out by creating this fool-proof guide to MacBook cables so that you can look at the bigger picture (no pun intended!) with your MacBook.

There are so many different variations and combinations of ports and cables that can be needed, so please make sure you have checked the ports on your MacBook and on your TV or projector – it is vital that you know which ports you are looking for to ensure that you get the right cable(s) for the job.

The first thing to ask yourself is: “Which port do I have on my display unit?”

Which port is on my TV, monitor or projector?

Your ‘display unit’ can be a TV, monitor, projector or more – whatever you want to actually display the end result on. Example: If you wanted to view your MacBook on your iMac screen, then your iMac would be your display unit.

Please check which port you have on your display unit, as you can never be certain, but here is a short description of each port and whether you are likely to have it or not:

VGA:

If your display unit is quite old or (with respect) cheap, you may have a VGA port. It is, however, important to note that VGA cannot carry audio which in turn means that you will need more than one cable in order to display video and sound from your display unit. The VGA port is now uncommon, but is still around – mostly on the back of your desktop computer monitors.

DVI:

The DVI port was next to arrive after the VGA port, it is on display units that are a little newer but do not are not HD compatible, on some display units you will find both ports. If you do find both ports – DVI is the better port (faster speeds) as it is newer technology. However, DVI cannot carry audio just like the VGA port, which means that again, you would need two separate cables in order to play your sound as well as your picture through your display (that is, if it is capable of producing sound).

HDMI:

The HDMI port is most common in newer display units, particularly (as the name suggests) in HDTV’s. The HDMI port is capable of carrying audio and video meaning that, dependant on your MacBook model, you should only need one cable to display your picture and sound from your display unit.

Thunderbolt:

The Thunderbolt port is present on all of the newest iMacs and is also present on a lot of brand new televisions, there is currently a ‘war’ going on between big names Apple and Sony (with Sony sticking to naming it ‘Light Peak’) so you may find that your port is called Light Peak, but they are exactly the same thing, but who will win the naming war? Thunderbolt can carry audio and video, but it isn’t designed to replace HDMI – but rather, work alongside it.

Why would you use HDMI and Thunderbolt? HDMI is designed to carry audio and video, just like the Thunderbolt. However, Thunderbolt uses the latest technology and therefore is capable of producing the fastest transfer speeds around and has the least loss of compression. If you want the highest quality of video and audio, then both ports may be of use to you.

The next thing to ask is: “Which MacBook port do I have?”

It is important to know which MacBook model you have so that you are fully aware of the other end of the cable that will join to your television port. These dates aren’t 100% accurate for all models and sizes of the MacBook so it is important to still check your MacBook to see which port you have, but these are the ports that you are likely to have:

MacBook (Early 2011-Present) Thunderbolt port:

If you own any of the current MacBook models (early 2011 up until now) you should find the Thunderbolt port (easily identifiable thanks to its ‘lightning’ logo). The Thunderbolt is capable of producing the fastest transfer speeds around and can be used in different ways, the main ways being:

• directly to a display unit – some new display units are being created with a Thunderbolt port on them. This means to transfer the highest quality images, video and audio to your screen, all you need is a Thunderbolt cable.
• using a MiniDisplay Port adapter – the MiniDisplay Port adapters are compatible in the Thunderbolt port and you can therefore use a MiniDisplay Port cable or adapter to transfer your video and/or audio to your television.

Now is the time to remind yourself of which port your display unit has so you can decide on which cable you would need to view your video and audio on your display unit from your MacBook 2011 – Present:

• HDMI Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI cable. If you already own a HDMI cable you will only need a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adapter.
• DVI Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to DVI cable. If you already own a DVI cable then you will only need our MiniDisplay Port to DVI adapter.
• VGA Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to VGA cable. If you already own a VGA cable then you will only need our MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter.
• If you have either of the DVI or VGA ports you will also need a 3mm audio cable if you wish to transfer audio from your MacBook and out of your display unit (that is, if it has speakers or is capable of producing audio). This cable runs between your MacBook headphone jack and your display unit headphone jack.

MacBook (Mid 2009-Late 2010) – MiniDisplay Port:

As previously explained with the Thunderbolt MacBooks, the MiniDisplay port cables and adapters also work in the ThunderBolt port. However, you need exactly the same cables if you wanted to transfer your video and audio to your display unit from a mid 2009 – late 210 MacBook. Here is that list again for you:

• HDMI Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI cable. If you already own a HDMI cable you will only need a MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adapter.
• DVI Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to DVI cable. If you already own a DVI cable then you will only need our MiniDisplay Port to DVI adapter.
• VGA Port – You will need a MiniDisplay Port to VGA cable. If you already own a VGA cable then you will only need our MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter.
• If you have either of the DVI or VGA ports you will also need a 3mm audio cable if you wish to transfer audio from your MacBook and out of your display unit (that is, if it has speakers or is capable of producing audio). This cable runs between your MacBook headphone jack and your display unit headphone jack.

MacBook (Early 2006 – Late 2008) – Mini DVI port:

If you have a MacBook between the dates of early 2006 and late 2008, chances are that you have a mini DVI port. It is important to note that as the mini DVI uses the same technology as DVI (who would have guessed?) and this means that the port cannot transfer audio. Therefore, even if you have a HDMI port on your display unit, you will be unable to play out audio unless you have a 3mm audio cable. However, to transfer your images and video to your display unit, you will need the following:

• HDMI port – You will need a Mini DVI to HDMI cable. If you already have a HDMI cable, you will only need our Mini DVI to HDMI adapter.
• DVI port – You will need a Mini DVI to DVI cable. If you already have a DVI cable, you will only need our Mini DVI to DVI adapter.
• VGA port – You will need a Mini DVI to VGA cable. If you already have a VGA cable, you will only need a Mini DVI to VGA adapter.

Finally ask yourself: “What else do I need to know?”

That rounds up our guide for looking for the perfect MacBook to TV cable. We do have a few other cables that you may be interested in, such as our MiniDisplay port extension cable which allows you to extend your MiniDisplay port by 2 metres, meaning you can use your MacBook from further away from your display unit.

Please remember to check exactly which ports and cables that you need; this is only a guide and your ports may differ from any that we have mentioned on here.

If you are looking for a great MacBook screen protector then look no further than Martin Fields, who make screen protectors specifically to fit certain electronic devices, and a very popular product of theirs is the Martin Fields MacBook Air 11 screen protector.

Specifically designed as a MacBook Air 11 Screen Protector, this Martin Fields product has a high scratch resistance surface – meaning that your MacBook Air 11″ will stay looking newer for longer. It has a quick and easy application method which should produce a result with no air bubbles, and barely noticing that it is there. The special thing about this screen protector is the fact that it is designed to enhance the image on screen; whereas many dull the picture quality. The way they do this is simple – allowing more light in but with no glare, whereas other companies often think the way to reduce glare is by allowing less light in, which isn’t technically the case.

As you can see from the image above, with the Martin Fields MacBook Air screen protector they sacrifice absolutely nothing on image quality whilst still providing an excellent scratch and damage proof shield. Martin Fields also make products for many other LCD screens, such as the MacBook Air 13 Screen Protector.

If you are looking for the best MacBook Air Case - reliable, long-lasting and isn’t going to add bulkiness or weight, then this Speck Hard Shell should be perfect for you. The guys at Speck have been designing high quality cases made specifically for electronic devices for over 10 years now, and seem to have mastered the art of providing excellent cases at affordable prices. Their typical theme of ‘fun, fictional and stylish cases’ is ever present in this MacBook Air 13 Case, and their designs may well be fun and a little bit quirky – but they do not sacrifice anything when it comes to damage protection, with exceptional resistance to scratches and damage for such a slim, lightweight product. The fact that it has been engineered specifically for the MacBook Air 13″ means that it has the perfect fit, reflecting the sleek and beautiful nature of the product inside.

The simplicity of this MacBook case could make it one of the best MacBook Air cases, just two quick clicks and the top and bottom of your MacBook are fully protected. Its built in rubberised feet keep the MacBook secure, and the innovative design of this Speck Hard Shell mean that all ports, slots and CD drives are still free and available for use at all times.  The gaps that present the ability to do this also keep the MacBook cool and prevents overheating, and enables the MacBook to be fully opened and closed whilst still remaining inside it.

The case is matt black, and contrasts nicely with the silver colour of the MacBook Air 13″, keeping it looking smooth and professional. This Speck MacBook case is currently available for the MacBook Air 13″ and it is also stocked on GearZap in a number of different sizes. There are also a great number of MacBook Pro Cases available.

Buying a Bluetooth Numeric Keypad for Apple iMac & MacBook

Do you need a proper Numeric Keypad for your Apple iMac or MacBook? Well accountants and Maths Geeks (or anyone who likes to use a keypad really) can now rejoice!

GearZap have launched a new product to solve all your Keypad needs. The Wireless Bluetooth Keypad is designed to compliment the look of the standard apple bluetooth keyboard and even allows you to connect them together with an almost seamless linkage bar.

The Apple Style Keypad connects via Bluetooth and is powered by 2x AA batterys. It has been very well made and the keys are of similar quality and feel to the genuine Apple Keyboard.

As you can see, the Bluetooth Keypad looks very similar to the genuine Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and can be used independently (perfect for MacBooks) or connected via the linkage bar to the Apple Keyboard. It has not been confirmed yet, but we see no reason why this would not work with a Windows PC too!

You can now buy your Bluetooth Keypad now from GearZap.com!

Apple has just updated the specs of the MacBook Pro. The good news is that the MacBook Pro 2010 range offers significant spec upgrades, but sadly the prices have also gone up a little.

The 13-inch models are still sticking with the Core 2 Duos but with faster 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz processors. Bigger MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models are now upgraded to Intel’s new Core i5 and Core i7 processors. The 13-inch model comes with NVIDIA GeForce GT 320M graphics card while the bigger MacBooks Pros will have the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M (256MB – 512MB).

All the new units come with 4GB of RAM (upgradable to8GB) with standard hard drive capacities of 320GB and 500GB. An SSD option is also available up to 512GB.

The look, shape and dimensions of the new MacBook Pro range will remain exactly the same, so this means that all existing MacBook Accessories will still be compatible with the new MacBook Pro 2010 models.

If you’re thinking about buying a new MacBook Pro, don’t forget to check out GearZaps online store for a huge range of MacBook Cases and accessories.

- How can I identify my MacBook?

- What are the differences between MacBooks?

- Which MacBook do I have?

Are you trying to find out which version of the Apple MacBook you own? This is a common question from MacBook owners because Apple has released new models under the same name. This can cause problems, for example; when you’re looking to buy a MacBook accessory or MacBook case which is designed for a specific MacBook.

This article aims to tell you the main differences between the recent models of the MacBook so you can work out which model you have or want to buy.

MacBook History

In May 2006, Apple released the first generation black and white MacBook. A unibody aluminum MacBook was subsequently introduced in October 2008. Then in October 2009, a unibody polycarbonate MacBook was introduced.

For the purposes of identifying your MacBook, we now refer to the model using the date it was first introduced i.e. MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009).

How to identify your MacBook

Note: These instructions are only for the MacBook 13″ and not the MacBook Pro.

STEP ONE:

Find out at least one of the following pieces of information:

-         Serial Number: on the bottom of the case / the battery bay or system information

-         Model Number: on the box, receipt or system information

-         Configuration: on the box, receipt or system information

STEP TWO:

Use the information from STEP ONE to find your MacBook in the table below. This will give you the date it was released and allow you to identify which cases and accessories work with your MacBook.

Once you know which MacBook you have, why not visit our MacBook Accessories Shop or buy a MacBook Case.