Twelve South

Three years after launching their first Mac exclusive product, Twelve South expands from the dining room table to the front cover of Kiplinger’s.

Charleston, SC, May 10, 2012 – The June 2012 issue of Kiplinger’s magazine is out, and the cover features Twelve South’s co-founder and CEO, Leigh Ann Green. The cover story, featuring Twelve South and three other companies with owners who were inspired to turn their passions into successful businesses, hits newsstands this month. Twelve South was launched by Leigh Ann Green and her husband Andrew Green in 2009, with a mission to design premium accessories exclusively for Apple computers.

Why just for Apple? “It was always our feeling that Apple users – like us – deserved thoughtfully designed accessories, worthy of the iconic products they accompany,” says Leigh Ann. “So we decided to devote Twelve South 100% to making Apple-only accessories.”

As the Kiplinger’s article “How to Create a $1 Million Business” points out, Leigh Ann and Andrew Green started the business in their home, using their children’s college funds and a second mortgage as seed money to fund the business. Their courage and passion for great design paid off when their first two product prototypes, cobbled together from scrap metal and a manila envelope, were sold to Apple retail store buyers on their first try. “It was a scary moment,” admits Leigh Ann Green. “We put it all on the line and it paid off for us.”

Today the company is 12 employees strong and sells its impressive roster of made-for-Mac products worldwide through TwelveSouth.com and Apple retail stores. The Charleston, South Carolina-based brand’s best-selling product to date is BookBook, a hardback leather case for MacBook, iPad and iPhone that looks like a vintage book.

The June 2012 issue of Kiplinger’s is on newsstands now. You can also find the article about Twelve South online at Kiplinger.com, and see the products that have made Twelve South a success story at www.twelvesouth.com.

Click here to read the original release.

Meet HoverBar. Connecting your iPad 2 and Mac to create the ultimate Apple Workstation.

Charleston, SC, February 7, 2012 – Twelve South has unveiled HoverBar, an adjustable arm that floats iPad 2 next to an iMac or Apple display, allowing you to use iPad as a secondary, touchscreen computer. Made exclusively for Mac, HoverBar combines Mac and iPad to create one powerful, desktop workstation. HoverBar can also be used separately to create a compact iPad workstation or an install-free kitchen mount for iPad. HoverBar is available now for $79.99. Get more info and images at twelvesouth.com.

HoverBar turns iPad into the ultimate sidecar for an iMac or Apple display, presenting more ways to use iPad more often. Connect HoverBar to your Mac, snap iPad 2 into the secure clip and you now have one powerful dual-computer work setup. Having iPad floating next to your Mac allows you to monitor your Twitter stream, stocks and local weather — or run FaceTime on your iPad while you email, edit a file, or cut a video on your Mac. There is no reason to leave iPad in your computer bag when you have a HoverBar. This accessory expands the way you use and interact with iPad 2.

HoverBar features a black, heavy-gauge, adjustable steel arm that lets users position iPad beside or above their Mac. Simply flex the HoverBar arm to find the ideal position for viewing, swiping or tapping iPad. HoverBar has a solid metal, silicone lined clamp that can be attached to any iMac or Apple display with an L-shaped stand. The easy on, easy off clamp leaves no marks and is secured with an included allen wrench. Designed specifically for iPad 2, the secure, ball-mounted iPad display clip can be rotated horizontally or vertically and can also be tilted back and forth. HoverBar does not interfere with the use of a Smart Cover.

Andrew Green, Creative Director of Twelve South said, “HoverBar was actually inspired by the multi-screen computers in the movie “Minority Report.” Then came the iPad, and we found that working with an integrated Mac and iPad setup is more than just multi-tasking – it’s multi-computing. But it wasn’t enough to have the iPad nearby. We wanted the screens aligned, even touching. HoverBar is the glue that turned our vision of the ultimate Apple workstation into reality. And it’s just so cool!”

This flexible accessory can also be used on its own. Because HoverBar has a two-way mounting clamp, it can be connected to any surface up to one inch thick, like a desk, table or kitchen cabinet. Attach HoverBar to a kitchen cabinet or counter without screws or permanent installation and follow a recipe or cooking video while preparing dinner. Use HoverBar to create a compact, dorm room workstation. Use HoverBar to interact with your favorite DJ or music apps. Create a steering wheel for racing apps. The possibilities are endless with an iPad in a HoverBar.

Click here to read the original release.

With Christmas only 25 days away, blogs all over the web are checking their lists for their favorite gifts to give this holiday season. The latest comes from The Art of Manliness, a blog that dedicates itself to “reviving the lost art of manliness.” Among their “manly, useful, and classic” gift suggestions (that include everything from wilderness survival training courses to a vintage Swiss Army flashlight) is our very own BookBook for iPad! In their words:

“If you’re a man fond of scotchy, scotch, scotch, leather-bound books, and the smell of rich mahogany a la Ron Burgundy, then might we suggest the Book Book iPad case to protect your iPad? The Book Book case is designed to make your iPad look like an old, leather-bound book you’d find in the distinguished library of a gentleman scholar. The case zips up to protect your iPad when you’re not using it. The Book Book’s real book feel will make reading on your iPad even more enjoyable.”

Uncover that inner Anchorman by picking up your very own BookBook for iPad (or iPhone and even MacBook) just in time for Christmas from Twelve South. Start shopping early and get it to your door with free ground shipping for a limited time.

Meet PlugBug, the iPad/iPhone travel charger that snaps onto your MacBook Power Adapter

Charleston, SC, November 1, 2011 – Twelve South is pleased to unveil PlugBug, an iPad/iPhone wall charger that piggybacks onto a MacBook Power Adapter, allowing you to charge a MacBook and an iPad/iPhone simultaneously from one power outlet. Made to fit all MacBook Power Adapters, PlugBug is available now at twelvesouth.com for $34.99.

The ingenious PlugBug connects to all MacBook Power Adapters. Simply snap PlugBug onto a MacBook Power Adapter, in place of the adapter’s AC plug, and you now have one handy device that charges MacBook and iPad or iPhone at the same time, using only one wall outlet. This can be a real lifesaver when you need to charge both before a meeting or – even more stressful – between connecting flights with only one outlet available.

Along with a beautiful design, PlugBug packs 10 powerful watts, charging iPad as fast as technically possible. In fact, many public USB charging stations, like those found in airports, lack the power to charge an iPad. Not only will PlugBug provide the proper charge, it will charge your iPad up to twice as fast as many competing chargers.

Now you can carry just one compact PlugBug to charge your iPad or iPhone and leave the other chargers at home, reducing the clutter in your computer bag. Forget about worrying whether or not you remembered your iPad charger – with PlugBug it’s always connected to your MacBook charger. For those times when you only need an iPad charger, you can disconnect PlugBug from your MacBook Power Adapter and still use it as a stand alone device.

Andrew Green, Creative Director at Twelve South, said, “PlugBug is a dream product for us. It improves on MacBook’s own Power Adapter, adds a completely new idea to iPad/iPhone chargers, and it simplifies the lives of die-hard Apple fans – like me – who carry multiple Apple devices wherever they go.”

So why is PlugBug red? Noted author and original Mac Evangelist Guy Kawasaki gets credit for the color. When shown an early prototype, Kawasaki insisted PlugBug should carry a show-stopping hue viewable from across the room – or airport. The “Kawasaki Red” PlugBug was born.

Those outside the U.S. and Canada can use PlugBug as the perfect U.S. adapter and iPad/iPhone charger. Not only does PlugBug convert any non-U.S. MacBook Power Adapter into a North American-compatible adapter, it also serves as a bonus USB charger for iPad and iPhone.

Click here to read the original release.

Twelve South intros BassJump 2. The world’s first USB subwoofer for MacBook just got a lot better.

Charleston, SC, October 25, 2011 – Twelve South introduces the all-new BassJump 2, a portable, USB-powered subwoofer that turns MacBook Pro or MacBook Air into a travel-friendly sound system. Like the original, BassJump 2 is powered by a single USB connection and uses proprietary software that blends the sound output of the BassJump subwoofer with the output of built-in Mac speakers for dramatically enhanced sound. The new BassJump 2 includes remastered software that delivers greater compatibility and eight more decibels of sound. BassJump 2 is available now at Amazon.com and other outlets for $69.99. More information and images are available at twelvesouth.com.

Software refinements make BassJump 2 compatible with iMac and Apple Thunderbolt Display speakers, as well as third party USB and headphone-connected speakers. BassJump 2 enhances the sound of iMacs and Apple Thunderbolt Displays by adding mid- and low-frequencies for a deeper, fuller sound. Minimalists will see a less cluttered workspace but hear better sound without the added clutter of extra power cables and speakers on their desk.

Since its initial release, some of the biggest BassJump fans have been professional musicians, citing sound quality and portability as the key features. BassJump 2 works with most pro audio software, including Apple’s Logic Studio, making it an excellent monitor for musicians listening to and editing tracks on the road. Direct feedback from the music community led to several of the enhancements that make the new BassJump 2 sing.

Monty Lee Wilkes, Front of House Engineer for Prince, B-52s, Britney Spears, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Jennifer Lopez and other top acts says of his BassJump, “I can’t get over how cool this thing is. I use it every day that I’m in a hotel. I even throw it in my backpack when we have to fly to do a one off and I don’t bring my luggage.”

Other satisfied owners and fans of BassJump include Ed Simons (of The Chemical Brothers), Ian Watkins (lead singer of Lost Prophets) and Ben Watt (of Everything But The Girl) who uses BassJump with his MacBook Pro and wrote to say that BassJump “is absolutely ace.”

With its simple, elegant design and sophisticated software, BassJump 2 makes the great speakers in your Mac sound even better. Perfect for small offices, hotel rooms and on the road, BassJump 2 brings a richer, fuller sound to every note of music your MacBook makes.

Click here to read the original release.

“Honored to have met Steve. Forever changed.”

-Andrew Green, Founder & Creative Director

Here’s a really cool picture of a BookBook for iPhone that we just got from Santiago Valencia on Twitter!

Want your own “vintage tome” for your “modern iPhone”? Click here to learn more about BookBook for iPhone.

Twelve South and Anna Sui Preview Special Edition BookBook Case for iPad and MacBook at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

The Anna Sui BookBook brings Anna’s distinctive look to the forefront of this iPad and MacBook case. Unique to this version are distressed leather covers in layers of purple and black, and a black velvety interior. Romantic swirls frame the lavender covers. Signature Anna Sui butterfly and rose icons with gold leaf prints highlight the spine. These features will be immediately recognizable as part of Anna Sui’s signature design known around the world. Like other BookBooks, each Anna Sui BookBook is hand-distressed, ensuring that no two are exactly alike.

“We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with Anna Sui. We look forward to bringing very compelling fashion forward technology accessories to Anna Sui fans and Twelve South customers across the globe,” said Leigh Ann Green, co-founder of Twelve South.

One of the benefits of BookBook is that it lets people express their own personal style and stand out from a sea of black iPad and MacBook cases. When it becomes available in Spring of 2012, all eyes in the coffee shops and classrooms will be on the people carrying the Anna Sui BookBook for iPad and MacBook. The new Anna Sui BookBook will be available for iPad and MacBook in Spring 2012. More info and images can be found at twelvesouth.com/annasui.

Click here to read the original release.

Twelve South puts your money where your phone is. Introducing BookBook for iPhone.

Charleston, SC, July 26, 2011 – Twelve South is pleased to announce the arrival of a new must-have accessory for iPhone owners. BookBook for iPhone 4 is a beautiful, pocket-sized wallet that holds both iPhone 4 and your driver’s license, debit card, cash and receipts. The new BookBook for iPhone 4 is available now at Apple Store and twelvesouth.com for $59.99. More info and images can be found here.

Made exclusively for iPhone 4, this tiny vintage book replaces the need for a traditional wallet, which means one less item to keep up with, and one less thing in your pocket or purse. Two of your must-have items, iPhone and wallet, become one item. Having iPhone inside BookBook means you will never forget your wallet again.

The sturdy leather cover provides maximum protection for iPhone. Open BookBook for edge-to-edge access to iPhone. There are no frames getting in the way of your thumbs. All buttons and ports are accessible. You can sync or listen to iTunes while iPhone is in the book. Soft, chocolate brown suede lines the interior of the wallet.

BookBook features a handy ID window, making it easy to flash your license. The window has a convenient thumb slide for quick removal of your ID when needed. There are two slots for credit/debit cards and a vertical pocket for cash, receipts or business cards. BookBook conveniently puts your bank card next to your bank and finance apps.

Andrew Green, Creative Director at Twelve South, said “There are many iPhone cases out there in all shapes and sizes, but we couldn’t find the one we wanted. So we rolled up our sleeves and designed the ultimate case. A cool, pocket-sized book that serves as a wallet and iPhone case. It’s a phone book and checkbook rolled into one.”

Made with genuine leather, each BookBook is hand-distressed so no two are exactly alike. Since it looks just like a pocket-sized book, it’s an easy way to disguise your wallet and phone. The stylish design keeps you and your iPhone from looking like everyone else.

Click here to read the original release.