New HTC One: The internet reacts to new Android phone

Most of the details of HTC's latest phone had leaked out in advance of its official launch in London and New York. But maybe that's a good thing - at this point the firm could do with all the publicity it can get.

The previous model won high scores and plaudits, including T3 magazine's Gadget of the Year award and the GSM Association's Best Smartphone prize at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress.

But it failed to sell in the numbers the Taiwanese firm hoped for, helping contribute to its first ever quarterly loss last year.

The new model is a bit bigger, louder and long lasting than before and adds a sensor on its back that lets it refocus photos after they are taken, among other visual effects. But the main camera's sensor remains unchanged.

So, what did the net make of the new model, the HTC One (M8)?

The new One, also known as the M8, is better than last year's already impressive model in almost every respect: the design has been refined, it has a bigger battery, the processor is faster, the camera has new tricks, and the software has been made friendlier... It could carve out a comfortable third-place position behind Samsung and Apple. But third place can be dangerous: with Apple and Samsung eating up the lion's share of profits in the smartphone world.

The biggest problem with the M8 is that it doesn't raise the bar much higher than it already is - and that's going to make it difficult to stand apart from competing devices like the Galaxy S5. Yes, Samsung's upcoming flagship is an iterative improvement as well, but for better or worse, the company will still sell millions of units while HTC's success remains uncertain.

I recommend the One M8 if a clean and engaging software experience is what you value... But if snapping sharp pictures (and water-resistance) is your ultimate goal, then you'll want to wait the Galaxy S5 or opt for the Sony Xperia Z2 instead.

Of all the specs, the cameras are the only bring-downs. HTC didn't beef up the rear camera. It's the same 4.1-megapixel shooter as last year's, although HTC did add a second lens to the backside to help it achieve some effects. The front-facing camera has also been upped to five megapixels, but despite that fact, when I used it to shoot video, it looked pretty bad.

Pocket-lint

HTC has continued to push camera innovation and should be commended for committing to something that's different, even if its success rate isn't 100%. This isn't about pushing megapixels, it's about unlocking new functionality which can be effective and about thinking differently.

If the HTC One (M8) isn't the smartphone of 2014, I'm very, very excited to see what the competition will come up with as this handset strikes the perfect blend of design, performance and innovation without really compromising in any area.

Battery life is 40 percent longer on the new HTC One. Companies are taking battery life seriously this year. @SoldierKnowBest

HTC's CEO just said new smartphone's camera is 'optimized for selfies.' Shark officially jumped. @crayton_h

The HTC One M8 is a damn gorgeous phone @Michael_J28

Opening up the camera API [application programming interface] to third party development? Only going to make the camera better. Smart. @AshleyEsqueda

U put a larger display on the device and dropped the PPI [pixels per inch] - who does that? U guys were leaders in the display game past tense. @2FaceTouch

HTC never disappoints me, that is what a SMARTphone should be exactly! John Chang

HTC One (M8) nice design but when comparing the specs to other phones am really disappointed. Karan NG

Once you feel the 'brushed metal unibody frame' of HTC One you never go back to PLASTIC phone! William Koh

As a former T-Mobile Quality Mgr, I felt HTC products were hands down better than Samsung's, but the marketing side was super weak in comparison!!! HTC if you want to compete against the big boys, you have to dig deeper into your pocket books! To the corporate offices in Taoyuan, Taiwan... are you listening!? Lily Weems

Still 4 megapixel/ultrapixel cam. And seriously 2600mh batt? Ow come on htc. You can do better than that. Mark Benedict Dela Paz

Well it seems that they just keep adding all sorts of features instead of actually focusing on good quality. The reason the iPhone gets such good camera reviews for example is because you can just go into the camera and take good pictures without playing with all sorts of settings. Bigsam411

The [Sony] Z2 is the same size but also has front-facing speakers, a bigger screen, more RAM, and is waterproof. And a camera that belongs in a flagship phone of 2014. I keep thinking of going back to HTC for my next phone but I want a great camera, so they're not making it easy. Zentaurion

First reviews are up and everything but the camera is praised again. What are they doing there? Just buy the best sensor on the market and stick in there, they need to stop being so tricky. c3vzn

This is insane. The phone is announced and released same day and reviews are popping up. I used to think only Apple could do this. HTC has seriously impressed me and if I did not already have a Nexus 5 I would consider buying this. Bigsam411

Almost sold on the M8, but I'm coming from a [Samsung Galaxy] Note 2 and need multi-window support or just a way to run two apps at once without one going to sleep. S1ayer

I hope they stay in business. It just takes time for people to learn about awesome companies. HTC has low name recognition, but I hope they can build it up and become an established premium smartphone player. awkward

GADGET REVIEW: MEZE 11 DECO BEECHWOOD EARPHONES

Every so often we receive little treats in the mail that aren't shipped in CD-sized envelopes. Last week, a petite package containing such a sweet gift appeared on my desk within which was a fresh set of earbuds, and I was naturally stoked. You see, for many of us, these little wired doodads are much more than fashion accessories; they're a tool for focus while we work, a method of distraction while we commute, and for those of us who work in the music business, they're the precious commodity that keeps our cubicle community at peace. As I would with any interesting album that crosses my mailbox, I decided to review these Meze 11 Deco buds.

The first thing you'll notice about any set of Meze phones is that they're uniquely constructed with a handcrafted wood body. The package comes equipped with a circular carrying pouch and three sizes of rubber plungers, which those who, like me, have oversized ear canals will greatly appreciate. But as I mentioned earlier, I'm not in this for the aesthetic highlights.

While testing the MEZE 11 Deco earbuds, I listened to an array of musical styles during multiple everyday situations to get a feel for their overall sound quality. Here's what sounded best...

It was on the L-train on my way home from an art exhibit that I decided my new buds were worth discussing. Alt-J's 'Matilda' popped on shuffle, and the album took me all the way to my doorstep. The headphones provided a warm, full-bodied sound that allowed me to escape the burdensome commute entirely. Not being distracted by the weekend night chaos that surrounded me on the subway, I noticed new intricacies on the album that I hadn't previously encountered during countless prior listens.

P.O.S. - We Don't Even Live Here - Walking

This album is my go-to when I'm walking alone through sketchy neighborhoods. Lazerbeak's pulse-pumping beats and P.O.S.'s riot-inducing verse always get me on edge and ready for any necessary elbow-drops. Hearing songs like 'Bumper' and 'Get Down' on my Meze buds totally swept me into full-alert, however, looking back, my karate kick strut may have been a bit excessive.

London Grammar - If You Wait - Working

Back in my college years I would listen to classical while studying to avoid any diversions. These days, while working, when I'm not listening to a subject that's being written about, I saturate myself in something moody. London Grammar's debut LP If You Wait would normally be a perfect suitor for the role, however, hearing the eerie uncertainty emanated by Hannah Reid's infectious howl on my Meze headphones was an entirely different experience. I didn't accomplish much that afternoon...

The Rolling Stones - Exile on Mainstreet - Cooking

I usually cook dinner while my girlfriend watches something mind-numbing on MTV within earshot of the kitchen, so instead of stuffing my ears with cotton balls, I listen to podcasts. Last week, to spice up some random ramen concoction, however, I instead tested my Meze buds' full-blast fuel with The Rolling Stones' cult classic Exile on Main Street. The imaginative in-studio session I experienced was totally worth the few minor knife-work injuries and over-squeezed Sriracha broth, although my girlfriend may disagree on the latter.

Overall, the Meze earbuds are a worthy investment for an avid music listener who's looking for a noise cancelling experience without the oppressive feel of a full headphone set. They're lightweight and safely sit within your ear, and as my solo dancing proved, they can survive some serious disturbances.

You can get your own pair of Meze 11 Deco earbuds here.

Xbox One + Forza Motorsport 5 slashed $50, cheapest 1800p Touch Laptop ...

There's been a lot of hype surrounding the $50 discount on the Xbox One Titanfall console bundle - but hey, not everyone wants to play Titanfall! Today you can grab an Xbox One console with Forza Motorsport 5 for $450 (+ $16 shipping). That's the same price you'd pay for the Xbox One console alone today. Effectively free game? Why not?

The HP Envy 14 TouchSmart Sleekbook 14t-k110nr with hyper high res 1800p screen is now under $700, making a new low by $50. Aside from the stellar screen, the Sleekbook has a Core i5 Haswell processor and 8GB RAM. Just four months ago, you would've paid $1,000 for this same machine.

And as the weather (hopefully) warms up and you're more willing to do maintenance outdoors as well as in, it's nice to have drill that doesn't require pulling a cord behind it. Today Amazon helps you break free of cords with a solid deal on a Black & Decker 20-Volt cordless drill kit with 100 accessories. (Does a drill need 100 accessories? You be the judge.)

COMPUTING DEALS

If you're looking for an inexpensive laptop for everyday usage, we found an Acer model that'll do just fine with Windows 8 for $280. For more intuitive Touch capability, there's a Lenovo IdeaPad U430 with Windows 8 and Core i7 Haswell processor for $600. Browsers who already have a system and want to improve storage or video performance can check out deals on a top of the line SSD and Radeon R9 290 4GB video card. And for couch surfers, there's a well-reviewed Logitech K400 wireless Touch keyboard for $20.

GAMING DEALS

Four PC download and two console games comprise today's Gaming Deals section. Most notably, Friday marks the release of Elder Scrolls Online, and the Digital Imperial Edition is still on sale at Green Man Gaming for $64 after coupon PLOCVS-G2T5YX-DATY6M.

TABLET DEALS

If you want something more portable (or less laptop-y) than a laptop, we found four solid deals on tablets today. On the iOS side, there are two deals on iPads with Retina display for under $500. Android fans have their choice of Kindle Fire HD or Nexus 7 for well under $200.

ALL THE OTHER GOOD DEALS

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Is Microsoft Office for iPad going to challenge the laptop?

Microsoft finally delivered office iOS apps for iPad including Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps. How good are they?

The apps are free and can be used to view and present documents, spreadsheets and slides.

To create and edit documents, a paid subscription to Office 365 is required.

The apps are clean and simple, but one good question addressed in Bree Fowler's review, is it worth the effort to try to create or edit Office documents on an iPad rather than a laptop?

Philips 3D

Philips is invested, in a big way, in the idea that you want to control your lightbulbs with your phone. And they're willing to back that belief with some serious technology, not to mention some artwork straight out of a 3D printer.

Art Lights

Specifically, Philips is showing off some 'luminaries' it's created for its lighting system, the Philips Hue. You might remember that the Hue is essentially a LED lightbulb with WiFi and some fancy gimmicks that enable you to tweak the tone of your light, play with the timing, and some other fun stuff that generally marks them as entertaining, if a little silly.

But how to get people to admire your fancy new lights? With a pile of spaghetti!

Illuminated And Entertained

OK, so actually, it's plastic. Philips worked with some major design firms to create these 'luminaries', which are essentially accessories for your lights. 3D printing comes in because engineering these and putting them out there would essentially be impossible without the technology; the luminaries are too complex and delicate to manufacture any other way. The idea is that you place them over your Hue and then shift the colors and brightness to create different styles and effects. In other words, instant art, just add fancy lightbulbs!

Choosing the Right Hue

It doesn't appear that these will be coming to your local store just yet, but you will be able to buy them; they'll be available starting tomorrow directly from Philips, and will be on display at a few home shows both to show off Hue and to show there's more to the technology than just being goofy with your smartphone. And, hey, if nothing else, it's good to encourage more design and 3D printing with home goods. Just be sure you want the bulbs, first.

A Review for Mophie Space Pack for iPhone 5/5S

Brandi McCants

If you've got an iPhone 5/5S and cannot wait to upgrade to the new iPhone 6, we've got something for you that might sweeten the wait until the new iPhone 6 launches, which the latest rumors are saying is going to be September, but then again you're never quite sure with Apple. The thing we're talking about is called the Mophie Space Pack and it's the world's first battery-case for iPhones with built-in storage. Yes, you heard that right, it's a three-in-one device that will improve your iPhone.

Mophie Space Pack - A Review

Almost any smartphone user has this complaint: there isn't enough battery life in my phone! Well, the new Mophie Space Pack has given iPhone 5/5S lovers everywhere a solution: a case that doubles as a battery and more storage space. Yes, the Mophie Space Pack will also give you 15 GB or 32 GB of storage for only $150 and $180, respectively.

The battery the Mophie Space Pack has is a powerful 1,700 mAh, which means that with this baby on, your iPhone will have double the battery it has now. Impressive, right? It's also a nice case, that's only marginally bulky, but we can ignore that, because of what it brings to the table.

In order to fully benefit from this wonderful device, you need to download the Mophie Space Pack app, available on iTunes App Store. It is beautifully in line with iOS 7 and it is insanely easy to use. The app will organize all your files and folders neatly, so all you have to do is plug your device and wait for it to do its job. Easy as pie, we know!

What are your thoughts on the new Mophie Space Pack? Would you buy one for your iPhone 5/5S? Do you think you could use the extra storage space, or do you find the space on an iPhone satisfactory? Tell us what you think about it in the comment section below; we'd love to hear from you.

About the author: Brandi McCants View all posts by Brandi McCants

Graduated from the University of Bradley, after pursuing her Journalism Degree Brandi has worked as a Reporter in a noted Tech Magazine. She will be working as a Director/Editor/Author at GadgetGestures.com. You can call her the backbone of Gadget Gestures. Email her at brandi@gadgetgestures.com

REVIEW: Samsung's Giant Tablet Isn't Worth Ditching Your Laptop

Business Insider, Lisa EadiciccoThe core of Samsung's Galaxy Note series has always been that bigger can be better. When Samsung debuted its original Galaxy Note smartphone in 2012, it introduced the American consumer tech market to the 'phablet' concept. Now, the Korean gadget maker is hoping the Note Pro will do the same for tablets.

With its Note Pro, Samsung is attempting to penetrate the laptop-tablet hybrid category-i.e. tablets with large screens that work well with a keyboard for productivity. This space is largely dominated by Windows-based tablets from Microsoft and its partners, like the Surface.

The problem with these devices is that they often prove to be mediocre tablets and subpar laptops. Samsung's tablet faces a similar dilemma. It's a decent tablet, but isn't nearly compelling enough to justify spending the $700.

The Basics

Measuring 11.6 x 8 x 9.9 inches and weighing 1.6 pounds, the Galaxy Note Pro is among the largest tablets Samsung has launched to date. That being said, it still feels surprisingly light for a tablet of its size. In fact, the tablet is nearly the same weight as Microsoft's Surface 2 (1.5 lbs), despite the fact that the Note Pro has a larger screen.

BusinessInsider, Lisa Eadicicco

Samsung outfits the 12.2-inch Note Pro with the same faux-leather stitched back you'll find on its smartphone sibling, the Galaxy Note 3. It's a welcome change from the bland plastic rear shell Samsung has used for previous Galaxy devices, but the Surface 2's polycarbonate build looks a bit more elegant and professional. After holding the Galaxy Note Pro for about 20 minutes, I also noticed that the back easily gathers fingerprint smudges.

Tailored for productivity, the Note Pro comes with a quad-core 1.9-GHz processor. In other words, you shouldn't have to worry about sluggish performance while running multiple apps or playing casual games.

The Note Pro's battery lasted for quite a while on a single charge. After mixed usage, which involved browsing the Web, typing short documents in Google Drive and taking notes with the stylus, the tablet lasted for several days without needing an additional charge. During this time period I had the screen brightness set to 40 percent and occasionally used Bluetooth accessories with the tablet. Business Insider, Lisa Eadicicco

The most distinguishing physical feature, however, is the Note Pro's 12.2-inch dazzling 2560x1600 display. Colors popped when looking at high-resolution photos on Flickr, and details appeared sharp as we viewed trailers on YouTube. While watching a trailer for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' I was impressed with the tablet's wide viewing angles. If you typically use your tablet for streaming video through Netflix or Hulu, this tablet won't disappoint.

Like most Samsung devices, the Note Pro runs on a modified version of Android running Samsung's software skin known as TouchWiz. The tablet also comes with Android 4.4.2 KitKat out of the box, which is one of the newest versions of Google's mobile software.

Using The Note Pro As A Laptop Business Insider, Lisa EadiciccoSamsung also sells a few Galaxy Note Pro accessories that are meant to make productivity easier, including a Bluetooth mouse ($39.99), keyboard ($59.99), and book cover ($69.99).

The keyboard, however, wasn't very accurate during my testing. When typing a few paragraphs in Google Drive, the keyboard lagged significantly, falling behind most of my keystrokes. The keyboard was also inaccurate, and often registered the same letter several times when I only hit the key once. This didn't happen every time I used the keyboard, but it happened on several occasions. It's important to note that this could be an issue specific to our review unit and may not happen with other Samsung Bluetooth keyboards.

At the same time, Samsung's keyboard does come with a handy row of shortcuts which include brightness controls, volume buttons, and keys for home, recent apps and refresh actions. There are also buttons for capturing a screenshot and launching Google Now in the same top row.

Samsung's Bluetooth mouse was generally precise and responsive, but it felt a bit awkward to use when navigating Android. Since computer mice are typically used with desktop software rather than mobile, I often found myself moving the mouse cursor to the top of the screen in search of a minimize or exit button. The mouse felt most natural when using Google Chrome (or any Web browser) or managing various windows when using Samsung's Multi-Window feature. Business Insider, Lisa Eadicicco

Using the mouse to breeze through Android becomes much easier once you discover its shortcuts. For example, right clicking brings you directly back to the home screen and you can use the scroll wheel to navigate through different home screens. This is the mouse's way of mimicking the swiping gestures you would typically perform with your fingers.

It's nearly impossible to use these accessories without the book cover, or any similar folio-style case/kickstand for that matter. The rear casing on Samsung's cover features the same leather feel as the tablet itself, and its folio cover folds back to prop up the tablet like a kickstand.

You can also use the Note Pro to remotely control your desktop or laptop using the RemotePC app. The setup process requires you to first create a Samsung account if you don't already have one. After that, you'll have to install the RemotePC client on the PC you wish to control with your tablet, which is compatible with Mac and Windows.

Installing the client was fairly easy since the setup wizard provides step-by-step instructions, but you'll want to make sure you have Java plugins enabled in your Web browser. The specific plugins don't work with Google Chrome, so you'll have to use Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.

Once I had the RemotePC software up and running, I was pleasantly surprised with how well it worked. I've used remote PC software in the past, and it usually ends up squishing my laptop's desktop and lagging significantly. This time, however, the desktop on my MacBook Pro fit the Note Pro's 12.2-inch screen perfectly, and there was virtually no delay as I opened Word documents and rearranged items on my desktop.

The Note Pro's unusually large display make it an ideal choice for Android fans looking to get some work done, but there are better Bluetooth Android keyboards to choose from.

Stylus

Samsung's S Pen does more than your typical stylus. Rather than just acting as a replacement for your finger, the S Pen comes with its own menu of features designed to work with the stylus. As soon as you remove the S Pen from its holster, the Air Command menu fans out in the lower corner of the display. You can also summon this menu by long-pressing the button on the S Pen's side.

Business Insider, Lisa Eadicicco

Many of these features aren't very useful, but there are a few handy tricks including S Finder and Samsung's note-taking app Action Memo. Like its name implies, S Finder allows you to search for different types of content on your tablet, including emails, contacts, songs, apps and more. You can also take a screenshot and write notes over the image with Samsung's Screen Write feature, which could be useful for giving presentations but isn't as practical for daily use.

Most importantly, Samsung's S Pen succeeds in offering a fluid and natural pen-like experience. The Note Pro's screen immediately detected my words when jotting notes in Action Memo without any delay. The S Pen is pressure sensitive, which means it will produce darker handwriting the harder you press down-just like a real pen.

Samsung's AndroidBusiness Insider, Lisa Eadicicco

Samsung heavily modifies Android by adding its own apps, features and extras. For starters, swiping to the right from the main home screen takes you to Flipboard, while swiping to the left reveals Samsung's own Magazine UX. This arranges widgets in a tiled format for easy viewing, and by default it includes your calendar and email, business news headlines and a shortcut Hancom Office apps.

You can also pull down from the top of the screen to access notifications and quick settings shortcuts, which include options for Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode and some of Samsung's own features such as Smart Stay and Smart Pause. If you're using the Note Pro for productivity, the Multi Window feature may be particularly useful. You can run up to three apps on the home screen at the same time in separate windows, creating a PC-style vibe. Business Insider, Lisa Eadicicco

Samsung's version of Android offers a few useful additions, but the OS is a bit busy overall. You'll probably end of turning most of Samsung's extras and sticking with the basic services from Google.

Conclusion

If you don't need the extra screen space, you can probably pass on the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro. You'll need to spend more than $750 to use it with a keyboard and get any real work done, and there are much cheaper productivity-focused tablets. The Galaxy Note 10.1 offers a similar experience for $200 less than the Note Pro, and Microsoft's Surface 2 starts at $449, which includes Microsoft Office. That's not to discredit the things I appreciate about this tablet. It's got a brilliant high resolution screen and useful stylus that feels natural, but that's not enough to convince me to cough up $700.

12 Portable Chargers That Work Both With iPhone and Android Phones (list)

If you've ever been in a situation where you really need your phone and find it's running on the last few drops of battery juice, a portable power charger is a handy gadget to have. Most of these portable chargers will easily fit in your backpack or purse, and can be charged up before long trips where you may not have access to an AC outlet.

For this list we're focusing on portable chargers with high mAh (milliampere-hour) capacity. The mAh specification is a number that represents the amount of power the external charger can hold, therefore determining the amount of charges your phone or tablet can get from a fully charged external battery pack.

Although there are plenty of smaller battery packs that carry a lesser charge but can get you out of a jam such as the Anker Lipstick-sized charger with 3000mAh capacity or the Poweradd Ultra Slim 2600mAh with Flashlight function, we're trying to focus on the larger capacity chargers that can handle multiple charges on one phone or full single charges on more energy-consuming devices like tablets.

Finally, although the MSRP is mentioned for each portable charger below, most of them are available for much less than the list price. In fact, many of the chargers below are selling for well below half of the MSRP. Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers carrying mobile electronics products usually have several portable phone chargers in stock to choose from.

Unless indicated, the chargers below do not include Apple 30 pin or lightning adapters.

1. ibattz Battstation Optimus 20400mAh Battery Pack

iBattz makes several 'Battstation' branded portable phone and tablet chargers, but we're most interested in the Battstation Optimus 20400mAh Battery Pack with dual USB output. The pack utilizes a high-capacity battery that's the same cell Panasonic uses to power electric cars. The Battstation Optimus features both a 2.1A and 1A USB port allowing simultaneous charging of two devices at the same time and allows up to eight full charges on most cell phones, or two full charges for tablets. The Optimus also features an emergency LED flashlight. The box contains a Micro-USB Charge Cable, 30-pin Apple Connector, and Samsung Galaxy Tab Connector. The portable Battstation Optimus 20400mAh Battery Pack carries an MSRP of $129.95.

2. Jackery Giant+ High-capacity 12000mAh Aluminum Portable Charger

The Jackery Giant+ High-capacity 12000mAh Aluminum Portable Charger includes dual output ports of 2.1A and 1A for quickly charging your phone (5V/3A total) and is rated to add 500%-600% battery life for most phones and 100% battery life for the iPad. The Giant+ includes three LED charge status indicators, an LED flashlight that provides illumination up to 700 hours (activated by pressing the power button twice), and advanced lock technology to keep the charger on standby for up to 6 months. The Giant+ is compatible with Apple, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG, Nokia and most Android Phones and tablets. The device runs on a Samsung Grade A cell and premium microchips. The Jackery Giant+ Portable Charger is selling for about $49.95 (List: $79.95) on Amazon and comes with a premium Micro USB to USB 2.0 cable and 18-month warranty. (AC adapter not included.) Jackery makes several other portable charging packs including the Giant 10400mAh external battery, Jackery Bar Premium 5600mAh battery, and compact Jackery Mini Premium Ultra-compact 2600mAh external battery.

3. Lepow Moonstone 6000mAh External Battery

One of the prettier looking portable external phone chargers, the Lepow Moonstone 6000mAh External Battery looks a somewhat like a Roku 3 streaming player and comes in three choices of colors: Apple Green, Glossy Black, or Rose Red. The charger works with most cell phone and tablet models, and the manufacturer claims the Moonstone has 'Superior Energy Conversion' with more than 90% conversion rate. The Moonstone comes with instruction manual, travel pouch, Micro USB cable, and eight small gifts (although we'd rather see the box include a wall charger instead). The Lepow Moonstone 6000mAh weighs 9.6 ounces, measures 3.2 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches, and is list-priced at $59.99.

4. Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

Currently with 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,600 reviews on Amazon, the Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger is the best in the Anker mobile line. The charger packs ultra-high density cells and is one of the most compact 15000mAh battery packs at 4.9 x 3 x 0.9 inches. The Anker Astro is rated to charge an iPhone almost 7 times, a Galaxy S4 in full 4 times, or an iPad 3/4 of a full charge. The charger supports iPhone 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4, iPad Air, 5, 4, 3, 2, Retina Mini 2, Samsung Galaxy S4, S3, Note 2, 3, Tab 3, Google Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10, HTC One, Motorola Droid, MOTO X, and LG Optimus. The box includes a Micro USB cable, but you'll need to purchase Apple 30 pin and lightning adapters separately. The Anker Astro 15000mAh carries a list price of $99 but we spotted it on Amazon for half that price.

5. RAVPower Element 10400mAh Portable Charger

RAVPower's Element 10400mAh Portable Charger includes dual USB outputs (5V/3A max) and will charge two devices simultaneously at 3 amps total. RAVPower says the Element 10400mAh will charge any iPhone 4 to 5 times, a Galaxy S3 in full 3 times, or an iPad/iPad 2 one time. The charger supports iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 4S, 4, iPad Air, 4, 3, 2, Mini 2, Samsung Galaxy S4, S3, S2, Note 3, Note 2; HTC One, EVO, Thunderbolt, Incredible, Droid DNA, Motorola ATRIX, Droid, Moto X, Google Glass, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, LG Optimus, PS Vita, and GoPro. Unfortunately, the RAVPower Element will not work with Samsung or Asus tablets. The RAVPower Element 10400mAh is available for about $30 (List: $99) and contains two USB to Micro USB charging cables.

6. EasyAcc 10000mAh Brilliant Portable Power Bank

This portable charger (also called a 'power bank') from EasyAcc provides 10000mAh battery capacity to charge phones or tablets via dual USB outputs (Output 1: 5V 1.5A, Output 2: 5V 2.1A). The EasyAcc 10000mAh Brilliant, according to the product specs, can charge an iPhone 5-6 times, or Galaxy S4/S3 2.5-3.5 times. Phones and tablets supported include iPhone 5, 5S, 4S, iPod, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note3, HTC One Mini, Google Nexus 5, 7, 10, Nokia Lumia 1020, 520, and Bluetooth speakers. EasyAcc claims six months of standby time on a full charge with the product's advanced power lock technology. The EasyAcc 10000mAh Brilliant is available in either purple or orange highlight colors, and is selling for $28.99 on Amazon (List: $49.99).

7. Lenmar Helix 11000 mAh USB Portable Power Pack

The Lenmar Helix features three USB ports with 4.4A total charging output. The amps can be broken down into Output 1 (5V2.4A) for tablet, and Outputs 2 & 3 (5V1A) for mobile phones. With an iPad 2.1A charger the Helix can be fully charged in 8 hours. And, the charger includes an LED indicator that shows the amount of battery life remaining. With the Lenmar Helix, you can charge fully an iPhone up to four times and iPad one time. The charger also supports Android and other USB-powered devices. The Lenmar Helix 11000 mAh portable battery pack sells for about $65 at Amazon (List: $129.990. The package also contains a Micro USB cable.

8. Monoprice 8000mAh Dual-Port Battery Pack and Charger

The Monoprice Dual Port battery pack is an 8000mAh capacity charger that provides up to 2.2 amps of charging one output and up to 1 amp from the other. If both ports are used, a total of 2.2 amps can only be output via each USB port. Three LED lights on the Monoprice battery pack display how much charge is left in the unit. The charger is list priced at $69 but currently priced at Amazon for about 40% off that amount.

9. D-Link DIR-510L Wi-Fi AC750 Portable Router and Charger

The D-Link DIR-510L Wi-Fi AC750 Portable Router and Charger is a bit more expensive than the other portable battery chargers listed here, but with good reason: the device is a portable Wi-Fi router and charger combined. The simultaneous dual-band 11AC Wi-Fi provides wireless speeds of up to 300 + 433Mbps via 3G/4G LTE network. The battery charging feature of the device has a capacity of 4000 mAh, which isn't as powerful as the others chargers listed here, but the practicality of having a dual-function device may make up for the lack of capacity. And, while the D-Link DIR-510L has two USB 2.0 Type A ports, only one can be used to charge phones and tablets at 1 amp output. The DIR-510L Portable Router and Charger carries a list price of $99 and is available at D-Link's website.

10. ARK 12000mAh Portable Power Battery Charger

Finally, a battery with some value-add. The ARK 12000mAh Portable Power Bank battery charger comes with a conversion cable and 4 adapters: iPhone dock connector, Micro 5-pin USB connector, Mini 5-pin USB connector, Nokia DC 2.0 connector Compatibility. (Although, you'll still need a 30-pin adapter for Apple devices.) The 12000mAh-capacity ARK supports these Apple products: iPod Nano 1-5 generations, iPod Video 30/ 60/ 80GB, iPod Touch 1st-3rd generations, iPod Classic 1st & 2nd generation 160GB, iPod Classic 80GB, 120GB iPhone, iPhone 1st generation 2G, iPhone 3G/ 3GS, iPhone 4G, iPhone 4S iPad 1st & 2nd generation. And, LED indicators also let you know the status of the battery capacity. The ARK is priced at about $36 on Amazon.

11. myCharge Hub 6000mAh Power Bank

myCharge's Hub 6000 boasts over 27 hours of additional chat time for your phone, and is called the 'Swiss Army Knife of portable power devices' due to its multiple ports. As such, the charger has a built-in Apple Lightning and Micro-USB connectors, three USB ports, and wall prongs for ultra-fast recharging. The 6000mAh Lithium Ion battery provides a combined maximum output of 3.6A, weighs 9.3 ounces, and measures 2.5 x 1.1 x 4.5 inches. myCharge Hub 6000 mAh Power Bank carries a list price of $99 is available at myCharge.com and Amazon among other retailers.

12. Mophie powerstation XL 12000mAh External Battery

Mophie's catch phrase for the powerstation XL is 'Go Big or Go Home.' And, with a 12,000mAh battery the charger pack is right up there with the highest capacity batteries mentioned above. The powerStation XL is built to support phones, tablets, and USB devices, and includes an LED status indicator. Mophie claims the device will recharge your smartphone up to 8 times, and can charge up to two devices (even two tablets) simultaneously. The charger weighs 15.49 ounces and measures 2.80 x 4.50 x 0.91 inches. The powerstation XL external battery sells for $129.95 and comes with a micro USB cable.

TECH NOW: Is BlackBerry Z30 worth a look?

Contributor Jennifer Jolly spends some time with the BlackBerry Z30. See how it stacks up to her everyday iPhone experience.

I'll be the first to admit that I've been a bit of a BlackBerry basher. The struggling smartphone, once at the epicenter of our nation's gadget addiction, feels like it's all but gone the way of the 8-track in recent years. While far from extinct, I can't remember the last time I saw someone walking down the street talking, texting, or taking a selfie on one. My few friends who still carry a BlackBerry primarily use them for work, while opting for an iPhone or Android as their personal phone.

So why are we still talking about it?

And yet ... just when you think it's time to say goodbye to the good ole' CrackBerry for good, it seems by many cautiously optimistic accounts that the embattled company could be on a path to making a comeback.

On Friday, CEO John Chen, a noted turnaround artist, reported good news, by way of an earnings showing a fourth-quarter net loss of $423 million. While most of us have a hard time wrapping our heads around how Chen could be 'pleased' with that result, industry and financial analysts expected it to be a lot worse. Chen said that BlackBerry's most recent financials are 'on track and slightly ahead' of expectations, and re-asserted that BlackBerry will return to profitability and growth within little more than a year.

So what does all this mean for BlackBerry loyalists who swear by the devices flagship security and productivity features? While the company pivots back to its core strengths - securing mobile devices on the internal networks of corporate and government clients such as MasterCard, Daimler AG and Airbus Group - there's a new line of handsets on its way for die-hard keyboard lovers. While smartphones won't be the main focus, Chen said that BlackBerry plans to introduce high-end smartphones that cater to keyboard aficionados in the coming 18 months.

Is BlackBerry worth considering?

Recently, I gave BlackBerry's all-new Z30 smartphone a spin. I used it for three weeks, and it was a lot better than I expected it to be. Here are three things it did better than my iPhone 5s:

- It lasts a lot longer on a single charge: My iPhone usually poops out after about 8 hours, but the BlackBerry stays awake for some 25 hours.

- It's easier to type on: The built-in predictive text feature doesn't just finish the word you're typing, but it can predict the next word based on your past writing patterns. It saves time and tapping.

- It's a better organizer: The notification hub puts all your messages, notifications, and calls in one place. Its clean layout is easy on the eyes and perfect to glance at when you have just a few seconds.

But those bonuses also come with a few drawbacks that will keep me from switching to BlackBerry for the long haul:

- The lack of apps: I want Netflix, and I want it on my phone. To say the marketplace just isn't as robust as the competition, is a major understatement, and app lovers will suffer. If you've grown accustomed to the iOS, or even Android ecosystem, this feels like you're just going too far back.

- It's out-of-sync: iOS's ability to automatically populate photos, notifications, and messages across all my - and my family's - devices is something I just can't give up. Sure, there are apps that will do it for you, but taking that extra step is just too much of a pain.

- The 'cool' factor: I want my main gadget to be an extension of my personality. BlackBerry says 'business,' when the phone I want to carry around also needs to denote 'pleasure.'

That feeling - that the Z30 is great, but simply can't replace my current smartphone - is just one part of BlackBerry's current predicament. For the past few years, the company has been a bit like a lost man in the desert, unsure of exactly what they need to do to improve its situation. But the BlackBerry platform still has value to millions of people. BBM, the built-in messaging service on all of the company's smartphones, is still a ridiculously popular application, and you can even download and use BBM on Android and iPhone.

For the moment, it seems like BlackBerry is making a positive step toward reinventing itself.

Using the Z30 has actually made me consider carrying two devices - one for work and one for play - and I think I finally understand what CrackBerry addicts have been praising all these years. I'm anxious to take the next model - reportedly called the Q20 and expected to hit store shelves around the holidays - out for a spin. For the first time in many years, I'm cheering for this underdog. We all like a good comeback story.

ennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's digital video show TECH NOW. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.

HTC Creates Perfect One (M8) Smartphone Case with Dot View

Still looking for that one perfect case to protect your precious HTC One (M8) smartphone and have come up short thus far? You won't need to search any longer because HTC has created the last case you'll ever need for your HTC One with their Dot View. The HTC One features a great design on its own, with its new brushed finish on the gunmetal gray version. Covering it up might be a shame, but the Dot View does a good job at it. The back of the case features the standard hard plastic, which is contoured to fit the curved back of the smartphone. Maintaing the lightness of the phone, the case is thin and adds minimal bulk.

But it's the case's front where all the magic is. HTC designed the case with a rubber flip cover that features a grid of tiny holes that not only add to its aesthetic value, but also allows for a cool looking effect for the time, notifications and weather that you can see through the case when close. When it's open, the Dot View case wakes up the phone much like how Apple's Smart Cover for the iPad does. It then shuts it off when its flipped closed, but its functionality is still available. Missed notifications can be seen through the case, as well as caller ID for incoming calls. One swipe up on the arrow allows you to answer it without having to open up the cover. Get yours on HTC's website for $50, and it comes in a variety of colorful options.

Samsung Wearable Smart Watch Gear 2,Neo, and Fit Specs, Review and ...

First Posted: Mar 28, 2014 02:30 PM EDT

Companies are trying to push wearable devices but it's unclear why consumers aren't clamoring to get them. Who can say no to the appeal of wearing something that James Bond and Mission Impossible operatives could have worn? Samsung, the leader in wearable mobile technology, is trying to take advantage of what it perceives will be the latest trend by launching two more products soon.

The Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit, which feature the latest and most innovative features for mobile technology have been set for release this coming April. The gadgets will be carried by telecom giant AT&T. AT&T will be accepting pre-orders for the Samsung wearable items starting this week. It was not disclosed whether or not there is a limit to the number of units that can be reserved or if it's strictly one gadget per subscriber. So far, only AT&T has announced a tie up with the new Samsung items.

To entice more fans, the popular carrier is offering a $50 off promo for the Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo. The promo will only work if a customer buys a Samsung Galaxy S5 and also wants to purchase the Gear 2 or Gear 2 Neo. It was revealed that the promotion does not include the Gear Fit device. While the items will be released in April, the promotion will only run between March 25 and June 5. There is no limit on how many items can be purchased with the new Samsung Galaxy S5 promo.

The prices of these new gadgets are not too high. For example, the sleek and slim Gear Fit will sell for $199. The Galaxy Gear will be $299 and the price-reduced Gear 2 Neo will also be available for $199. Expect long lines or a waiting list for the items. If you're really interested, you should call early to reserve your desired unit. Or wait for Google and Apple versions if you have brand loyalty.

Galaxy S5, HTC One (M8) and other leading smartphones square off in new ...

Samsung's new flagship Galaxy S5 doesn't officially launch until the second week of April, but people in South Korea can already purchase the hotly anticipated new smartphone thanks to some anxious carriers looking to beat a sales ban. As such, gadget blog ePrice has already managed to get its hands on the sleek new phone and on Thursday, it posted a big comparison pitting the handset against other leading devices from Samsung's rivals.

In a battle that focuses on display quality, Samsung's new Galaxy S5 was lined up with the brand new HTC One (M8) - which we covered earlier this week in a can't-miss review - as well as the LG G Pro 2 and Sony's Xperia Z2.

The 5.9-inch LG phablet is obviously the largest of the four phones, and its full HD display features the lowest pixel density at 373 pixels per inch. Samsung's new Galaxy S5 has the smallest footprint overall, making it the most manageable smartphone of the group, but the display spreads its 1,080 x 1,920 pixels across 5.1 inches (432 ppi) while the HTC One (M8) is slightly larger but features a 5-inch screen at 441 ppi.

A few more comparison photos follow below and the rest of the set can be seen on ePrice's website.

New 52 – Batman: The Dark Knight #29 review

It's over. Batman: The Dark Knight #29 marks the end of my least-favorite solo Batman title. Before I get started let me just briefly point out where this series went wrong: It originally started before the New 52 during the height of Nolan-mania, hence the title 'Batman: The Dark Knight.' But instead of trying to channel the core values of the Nolan films in an effort to attract new readers, this all-new series was similar in name only. It wasn't character driven, it wasn't a realistic approach to the mythology, it wasn't complex in any way... it wasn't anything of note. Then when The New 52 began it was rebooted as something even stranger with hulk-ified villains (One-Face. Remember that?), a Batman who frequently called the Justice League for help, and a teleporting Playboy Bunny who got away scot-free. Then Gregg Hurwitz, the writer of Penguin: Pain & Prejudice took over and it appeared as though things would get better, but instead Batman: The Dark Knight became 'Batman: Sad Kids Grow Up to Be Violent Villains' as each new and over-long arc told the origin tale of another Batman villain using a repetitive formula detailing childhood trauma. It was always terribly slow going too until we reached a final issue that suddenly cranked the action up to 11 with total Armageddon coming to Gotham. The series had the most attractive name and it had it at the best possible time. We didn't need all the blood, gore, beasts, and boobs. We needed character development and not just with childhood flashbacks. If it wanted to tell origin stories then it needed greater variety in the details and it needed to get to the point faster. Using villains that weren't over-used in other series would've been nice too. This closing arc is the biggest offender, using Man-Bat, a foe we've seen every month for the past year in multiple titles.

As you'll recall, last month's issue ended with Batman falling to his death after a fight with an all-new and much bigger Man-Bat. It was a spectacularly illustrated issue by Ethan Van Sciver and this issue, which picks up exactly where we left off, grabs your attention instantly with its dynamic artwork and harrowing action. At least until Batman figures his way out of certain death in one of the least exciting and perhaps foolish ways possible. Batman really isn't much of a thinker in this final issue. Not at all. Since it happens in the first five pages I'll go ahead and spoil it for you: Batman is falling, he sees the Bat Plane (we can't say 'Batwing' anymore) is too far away and acknowledges that his cape is too shredded to glide so he's in for certain death. Tension rises as he gets closer and closer to the city below, but then Batman remembers- I have a bat-grapple, the only gadget I use more than a batarang, built directly into my gauntlet, I'm sorry, BOTH GAUNTLETS. What's the suspense of him falling if he has not one but two tools designed specifically for such situations? It's not like it's a new device either, he's been swinging by a rope for 75 years... and yet somehow he forgot until just now. But wait, it's not like he just fires it and swings. Nope, he instead shoots in both directions and nearly snaps both arms. He even goes into detail about the unimaginable pain as he hears tissue snap and bones pop. However will he get home? However will he be able to fight Super-Man-Bat with 2 broken arms? Nevermind, he's fine. The next page has him getting bandaged up and going right back out on the street the very same night.

It's instances like that that make me say 'Good riddance.' to this series. Nothing that happens in it matters. Oh no, he's falling to his death- wait, got a grapple! Oh no, he's horribly injured- wait, he's apparently superhuman. Conflict is what makes a story interesting. There needs to be struggle and none of Batman's struggles every carried any weight in this series. Hell, even the impossible to defeat Abraham Langstrom is ultimately brought down in eerily similar fashion to the ending from Hurwitz's first Batman: The Dark Knight story.

SHOW SPOILER ▼

To make matters worse, we lose Ethan Van Sciver 5 pages into the comic and he's replaced by Jorge Lucas whose Man-Bat (and everything else) pales in comparison. His inks seem to bleed and every figure is consumed by shadows with all the little details and characteristics being lost to the blackness. Batman himself looks decent, but that's the only element that measures up. Abraham Langstrom is the most disappointing figure. Not only is he no longer imposing as a human, but his Ultra-Man-Bat appears to be 1/4 the size of what Sciver delivered and just doesn't look scary at all. Lucas gives a haunting final page, but it's not enough to salvage the overall artistic quality of the series' final issue.

Recommended If... You're just one issue shy of owning the entire Batman: The Dark Knight collection It doesn't get any better than Batman fighting a monster You've loved Gregg Hurwitz's run from the start Overall

My interest gradually faded more and more after artist Ethan Van Sciver left (which only took 5 pages). There were some amusing moments with Alfred and Gordon, but mostly this story felt all too familiar and Jorge Lucas' art failed to make any of the over-the-top action interesting. A Man-Bat story needs an artist who can draw a cool monster.

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Related: Comics Reviews New 52 Batman:TDK

Want Stock Android Experience on HTC One M8? Grab the Google Play Edition ...

Not too long ago, HTC unveiled their worst kept secret of all-time, the new HTC One M8. At the press event, HTC also announced the availability of the Google Play Edition of the handset, which went on sale a day after it was announced officially. Usually, Google Edition devices are popular of making use of the stock version of Android which is free from bloatware and other OEM-specific apps, giving users a true Android experience.

Apart from the software, there's no major difference in the hardware. HTC One M8 GPE still rocks a 5-inch display sporting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 801 chipset clocked at 2.3GHz with Adreno 330 GPU, and 2GB of RAM.

Other features include 16GB internal storage with a microSD card slot, Duo cameras consisting of an UltraPixel camera with a depth sensor for improved photography, 5MP front-facing camera, a 2,600 mAh battery and runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It's not the usual stock version of Android, but is tweaked a little bit to make use of the highly anticipated Duo cameras on the HTC One M8.

As far as the pricing is concerned, the Google Play edition of the HTC One M8 costs a little higher compared to the standard version, but if you want a true Android experience, the extra $50 is worth the money.

Startup to Offer Customizable Wristband

A Montreal-based startup called Mighty Cast is working on an electronic bracelet to which modular charms can add new functionality. It hopes to start selling it for about $50 later this year.

The Nex Band will be a chunky-looking wristband containing basic electronic components-a microcontroller, a vibration motor, a low-energy Bluetooth radio, and a battery that will last two to four days, depending on how much you use it. The wristband will be sold with a single working mod that can do things like alert you to new text messages, incoming phone calls, or social-network updates.

Additional mods, which the company says will cost $7 to $10, will range in functionality, with some containing additional hardware for things like gesture recognition and activity tracking. Others could be more whimsical-for example, letting users add new powers and characters in mobile games.

The computerized bracelet shows how far companies are willing to stretch to differentiate themselves in the nascent market for wearable gadgets, where form and function are still hotly debated. It also offers a peek at where some wearable devices-and, more generally, consumer electronics-may head as companies experiment with ways to let consumers control the look and functionality of the technology they carry and wear. Customization is becoming easier as electronic components get smaller and cheaper, and some big companies are experimenting with modular devices. Google, for example, is building a modular smartphone through an effort called Project Ara.

The Nex Band might also assess the interest of a younger audience. Adelman says the device will be aimed initially at the tween and teen markets, with features that let users send secret messages to friends by way of blinking LEDs. Each mod will contain, at a minimum, a unique identification number and a multicolored LED. When you snap a mod onto the band, the band will read that ID number and relay it to a remote server via an app on your smartphone to get instructions about how many people have owned it, how far it has traveled, and what its functions are.

Mighty Cast has built prototypes and hopes to offer the Nex Band to developers starting in June, and to consumers late this year. The band will be cheaper than wrist-worn activity trackers such as the Fitbit, Nike's Fuelband, or Jawbone's Up, and it will be compatible with the iPhone and Android smartphones. 'It gives power to consumers to customize their wearable both on the inside and the outside for a fraction of the cost,' says Adam Adelman, Mighty Cast's cofounder and CEO.

Adelman showed me a demonstration during an interview over Skype. He held up a circuit board with all the components that will be shoved into the band, and plugged a mod into it, triggering a congratulatory notification in an app on his iPhone screen and changing the graphics in a game on his phone from 2-D to 3-D.

Sabine Seymour, director of the Fashionable Technology Lab at the Parsons school of design, is skeptical that people will want Mighty Cast's modular technology, at least in its current form. The market for bracelet-like wearable gadgets seems oversaturated already, she says. But Adelman hopes to extend the technology beyond just the wristband to other items like action figures, accessories, or a fridge and its contents. 'We've got one suggestion that would be really neat, for a wine rack,' he says.

11 of the Best Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases (list)

You've already probably pre-ordered your new Samsung Galaxy S5 and can't wait for it to arrive at your doorstep next month. Although it won't start shipping until April 11, you can still start thinking about what kind of case you're going to want to protect it. To help you make such a touch decision, we've wrangled up some of the best cases for your new S5 so that you don't have to worry about scratching or dropping it the first day it's out of the box so that you can fully concentrate playing with its new features like the fingerprint sensor to use in place of a passcode (and to make payments via PayPal) and its' heart-rate sensor.

11. Case-mate Stand Folio Case

Comfortably watch movies or browse the net with the Case-mate Stand Folio Case, while at the same time protecting your new smartphone from falls and scratches for $40.

10. Incipio Stowaway Case

The Stowaway Case is both a protective case and a wallet. It can hold up to three credit cards or IDs and is made with a Flex ₂ O soft shell core, making it shock absorbent for $34.99.

9. Belkin Wallet Folio Case

Get incredible protection from drops and scratches with the new Belkin 2-in-1 Wallet Folio Case that also gives you lots of storage space. You won't need a wallet with this case since it has space for credit cards cash, receipts and lots of other stuff. It also folds out as a viewing stand so you can watch videos or browse the net. It comes in four different color combos for $39.99.

8. S View Cover

The S View Cover replaces the phone's battery cover, but has a interaction window in the front so you can easily access the screen.

7. S View Wireless Charging Cover

This Wireless Charging Cover is like the regular S View Cover, but features a charging coil that's integrated in the back.

6. Spigen Neo Hybrid Case

Protection is what you get with the Spigen Neo Hybrid Case for the new S5. It combines flexible, textured TPU with chromed accented polycarbonate frame that's available in a variety of different colors. Ports and buttons are all easily accessible, while the case doesn't add any extra bulge to the phone's slim frame. Amazon will have it for $26.99.

5. Case-mate Slim Tough Case

Durable protection in a thin design is makes the Case-mate Slim Tough Case a great option for your Galaxy S5. It features a two-piece chassis that has a metallic bumper and metal bumpers that provide both style and protection. Its bumper rim sticks out just a bit over the screen so it doesn't touch the surface when the phone is placed face down somewhere. Get it for $35.

4. Incipio NGP Case

Shock absorbent and flexible is how to describe the Incipio NGP Case. The silicone and plastic translucent skin case is available in four colors and is stretch and tear resistant. For only $19.99, you can't go wrong for an everyday case with style.

3. Spigen Ultra Fit Case

The phone will be as snug as a rug in the Spigen Ultra Fit Case that's also patterned in the perforated look of the S5. It comes in a variety of different colors, providing great looks and protection in the same case! Amazon has it for only $6.99.

2. Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Hard Case

The Feather Ultra Thin Hard Case is super light and will protect against scratches and drops. It easily snaps on the back of your S5 so that it keeps the phone's sleek and slim look at all times. You can choose from six vibrant colors, which all have easy access to the phone's buttons and ports for $29.99.

1. Belkin Air Protect Grip Max Protective Case

The dual-layer shock-absorbing Air Protect Grip Max Protective Case features reinforced corners, which proves ultimate protection. It also comes in five different colors and will retain the phone's slim-fittiing exterior despite being a dual-layer case. Get yours for $29.99.