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[via Apple]

Smartphones of pretty much every shape and size already do this. Palm/HP’s webOS does it. Google’s Android does it now, well after HTC’s Sense User Interface (UI) did it. So, no surprise that Apple wants to get in on the action, too. Especially when you consider how important social networking is to pretty much everyone out there. And, well, it’s Facebook.

Silicon Alley Insider is citing a “plugged-in source in the mobile industry,” when they say that Apple is hard at work at incorporating Facebook into the iPhone OS 4’s contacts list. But, in addition, the report suggests that chatting via Facebook Chat could be somehow integrated into the messaging features of the next iPhone OS. We certainly hope that last part really, really gets figured out, because if you’re been unlucky to use Facebook Chat, then you know how crazy unreliable it is. Now, the big question is: what does all of this mean for iPhone OS 4.x when it hits the iPad later this year? Ah, let the speculation begin!

[via Silicon Alley Insider]

This time around, a curious customer out there wanted to ask a simple question: “Why no printing on the iPad? What gives?” We don’t think we could have worded it any different, to be honest. So, while we have to use our iPads as pretty insular word processing units, except if you have a PC or laptop at your disposal, but it looks like all of that is going to change.

“It will come.” That’s the terse, matter-of-fact response that Steve Jobs has become pretty much well known for in his email responses. And, with that, now the whole iPad customer battalion out there is going to be waiting on the edge of their seat for the printing capability to hit their tablet device. The big question, though: when’s it happening? Then again, you could always just use the other way.

[via SlashGear]

While we’re fans of things making our lives easier, we realize that sometimes you have to work hard for the things that are going to help you. In the long run, it’s always better to know that what you just put on your new gadget took almost just as much hard work as actually buying your new gadget. And, hopefully, the result is the same. As for the Wrapsol protective system, we have to say that we were pretty surprised at how well the thin film worked.

The protective film itself is remarkably thin. So thin, in fact, we didn’t actually think that it would do any good when put against a test or two. It’s also transparent, so that it doesn’t actually change the way your iPad looks, save for adding a bit more reflective edges compared to the aluminum backing on the standard, protective system-free iPad. Wrapsol suggests that their film will be able to protect your iPad from the daily wear and tear of a normal usage. Things like keys, sand, and even some slides against floors or walls, all should be kept at bay by the protection system. And, while we can’t say that we necessarily tried too hard to test it, but we did take our keys to the back of our tablet, and we’ve got to admit: it works.

The package itself, while pretty minimal, houses some very interesting aspects: the custom-fit protection system, already cut into the precise measured pieces that you need to put on your iPad; a mister that includes an application solution for easy installation; a soft, reusable microfiber towlette to clean off the tablet’s fingerprints; a non-marking squeegee; and instructions that Wrapsol suggests are the easiest to read and follow in the industry. Besides the protection system itself, the towlette is pretty fantastic, and manages to keep our iPad looking dead sexy, and shiny, all day long.

In the end, we’re happy with the Wrapsol protection system for the iPad. While we know that there are giant screen protectors for that 9.7-inch display all over the place, at least you know that when you drop your hard earned $34.95, you’re getting a system that protects not only your screen, but also the back and sides of your iPad. It’s well worth the money, if you ask us, especially with the fact that there’s no extra bulk added to the tablet.

The cradle is pretty minimalist, but we don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. The Plyboo (which is bamboo plywood — and we love that word) makes it look like wood helped create this piece of design goodness. In the middle of the cradle rests a rotating plate, made from soft-touch plastic, that you can use to turn your iPad around without having to pick it up.

There’s foam on the underside of the cradle as well, which means that if you need to rest it on your lap, it won’t get uncomfortable in just a matter of seconds. And the cradle itself is remarkably compact, measuring in at 21 inches wide, 4 inches tall, 13 inches deep, and 1/4 inch thick. Seems like it’s not meant to do much more than hold your iPad, and that’s not a bad thing at all. You can preorder it right now if you want, and it will only run you $52.50.

[via Quirky]

If you’ll recall, we told you about the T-Mobile iPad. And, more accurately, how the person managed to make his T-Mobile SIM card into a T-Mobile MicroSIM card. By cutting away the “unneeded” portions of your regular version, you can make the SIM-turned-Micro fit into the MicroSIM card slot, and, since the iPad is unlocked by the factory, this means you can rock out on any GSM-based network around the world.

John Benson has a pretty good walkthrough on his website, which you should definitely check out if you’re interested in this kind of thing. Of course, you could always wait until the iPad WiFi + 3G hits European shores officially, but hey, we understand why you might not want to be patient anymore. Anyone out there going to try it?

[via The Register]

This time around, two gentlemen decide to put the iPad in the ultimate test: will it shred. That’s right. And, no, not in a shredder, but under their feet, just like a skateboard. They even glue the tablet to a small frame with wheels, and subsequently try to use the iPad as a skateboard. As you can imagine, it breaks. Actually, the screen all but shatters at just a moment’s pressure from one of them stepping down on it. So, we don’t recommend accidentally stepping on your tablet.

Head on over to the link and watch the video, if you dare. We’re not going to lead you on here: it’s terrible what they do to their iPad, but we imagine that it had to be done, right? And, it’s no worse than a blender, we guess.

[via Fuel TV]

First, the iPad WiFi + 3G is unlocked. Yep. Just like that. Out of the box, no strings attached. Surprised that no official bodies informed the world? We’re not, and neither should you be. So, here’s what you have to do to get the iPad WiFi + 3G on T-Mobile’s network: trim the T-Mobile SIM card down to fit into the MicroSIM card slot. Yep, not a lot of work, but some work that you may want to take very, very seriously. Good news for international customers, considering they’ve got plenty of different wireless carriers over there to choose from.

Now, the SMS part is definitely pretty interesting. Thanks to the iPhone Dev Team’s MuscleNerd, there exists a very, very primitive SMS application that allows you to send them. Here’s what you need to do in this case: Put a T-Mobile SIM, or non-iPad AT&T SIM card into the iPad. Apparently the stock SIM card that comes in the box won’t permit you to send text messages, or phone calls for that matter. Truth be told, we could have seen this being a lot more difficult, so we’re counting our blessings it’s not. Let us know if you do it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via Redmond Pie]

You’ll head into the Settings menu, and from there you’ll see where the new addition “Cellular Data” has been put in. Go ahead and select that, and from there you’ll see “View Account.” After selecting that, you’ll fill out a full list of information that you will need to fill out. This includes name, email, password for your iTunes account, and then your credit card information. It’s in this screen that you’ll be able to select which data plan you want.

It’s easy for the rest of the steps. But, something to note, is the fact that if you’re going to get your hands on the 250MB data plan, it’s all or nothing. If you want to re-up in the middle of the month, it’s going to restart your month from that day, and charge you the full amount. No easy top-ups. So, take that into consideration. Also, as we detailed before, if you don’t do it yourself, both versions of the data plan will automatically update and charge your card at the end of the 29 days.

[via Apple]

Just for the record, the iPad WiFi + 3G model does cost $130 more than the WiFi-only model. The 16GG model weighs in at $629, with the 32GB at $729, and the 64GB model does $829. Additionally, the 250MB per month data plan will run you $14.99, and the unlimited data plan will run you $29.99. We’ve already gone over the details in those regards, so if you’re curious, go check them out.

[via Apple]