iPad 2 Case Emerges At CES With Mockup iPad 2 Inside

Chinese manufacturers have got the jump on us gadget loving folk, they are churning out new cases for Apple’s next generation iPad before its even been announced.

Yesterday, Engadget were looking at what looked to be an interesting case for the iPad which could would allow for a Bluetooth keyboard that could be magnetically attached to the front cover, looked to insert their own iPad into the sleeve, only to be told it was a case for the iPad 2.

That’s fine, we have been privy to a number of iPad 2 cases and mockups, this looked to be nothing new. That was until the guys at Dexim (the people who manufacture the case) showed a mockup of the iPad 2 that could be placed into the case. The mockup has now given us the clearest picture to date of the iPad 2 design and form, offering a slightly tapered edges and a rounded back, much like the iPod Touch.

Engadget notes that the iPad 2 will be slightly slimmer than the first-generation iPad, with the home button located nearer the bottom of the device. Camera holes were present, as was a large square for the speaker, which is expected to provide more output on the iPad 2.

Previously iPad 2 cases were pulled from listings suggesting Apple was applying pressure for the manufacturers to remove their mockups. With a physical mockup, it’s a lot more difficult to deny this is the final iPad 2 design, you wouldn’t expect these companies to offer cases for a product if they weren’t 100% sure it was going to launch with the exact dimensions.

Rumours suggest the new iPad will be announced in February, there shouldn’t be too long to wait now.

Sony Ericsson to unveil new Xperia smartphone range on February 13

Sony Ericsson has done a smashing job building buzz for its new range of smartphones – handsets that will be super thin and powerful to gaming devices like its upcoming PlayStation Phone.

None of Sony Ericsson’s new line-up has been confirmed yet but that is all set to change come February 13 at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona. On this date, Sony Ericsson will be introducing us to “new members of the Xperia family”, likely unveiling the Android-powered PlayStation Phone , the X12 and we feel there might even be a little space reserved for a new Windows Phone 7 handset somewhere in all of that.

Sony Ericsson has trademarked the Xperia Play name, so the PlayStation Phone might go under a slightly more formal brand name.

PhoneArena notes that Sony Ericsson has also registered the names for Xperia Arc, Xperia Duo, and Xperia Neo; something tells me one of them might have a little Microsoft influence.

Taking a ride with FlyKly, an electric bike startup in New York City

On the 2nd floor of Projective Space, a busy coworking space in SoHo, just a stone’s throw away from popular New York startups Wanderfly and Gojee , you will find FlyKly , a small Electric Bike company that’s attempting to change the patterns of US energy consumption.

Powered by costly Lithium-Ion batteries, FlyKlys are 100% electric, zero emissions vehicles. To charge the battery, simply plug it into a standard outlet for 4 hours. Fully charged, every FlyKly battery gets you 40 miles of riding. The battery can be recharged up to 1,000 times, resulting in 40,000 miles before you need a battery change. And at less than 5 cents per charge, you can ride 1,000 miles for a dollar’s worth of electricity.

FlyKlys come in two different styles- a more modern look and a sweet vintage ride . The best thing about the FlyKly is that it’s legally a bicycle, which means you can park it on the sidewalk, ride it on bike paths and even run traffic lights (just kidding). I took it for a spin and zoomed down Canal Street in Chinatown, wobbled up the cobble streets of SoHo and took a few easy corners back on Broadway. Overall it was an incredibly smooth ride and the thing stops on a dime.

Unfortunately, the bike isn’t light enough for me to pick up and move on high curbed sidewalks. Also, unlike other electric bikes I’ve taken for a spin, it’s a pain to pedal should you find yourself out of battery. At the end of the day, it’s really a very cool electric scooter that doesn’t yet have to adhere to scooter laws. I imagine this will be a hot selling item at next spring’s SXSWi in Austin, Texas. The bikes cost $1,990 with free shipping, a 1-year warranty and a 15-day free trial. If you want to take your lady for a spin over the Williamsburg Bridge for dinner at Isa, order yours here .