Best Website Designs for Inspiration

Looking for best website designs to create your next awesome website? We have tried to compile best designed websites that may inspire your design.

It is always delightful to come across work in the digital scene, especially when much of the said work can be brilliant as setting the tone for our own work within this field. So what kinds of trends are being followed nowadays? That’s a tough question to nail down but it is far more important to ask just what is being done by the successful developers and designers out there and what can you do to grab your share in the market.

You also find our pick of best responsive design websites. 

Web design matters more than ever for companies wanting to get their product or idea out into the crazy world of the internet. A website is one of the most powerful marketing tools available today for businesses. It doesn’t matter the size of your company because your site can rank higher on Google regardless of its size. 

A website is a good way to give your business some credibility and to reach new potential customers at a lower cost. Before you make your own, it’s good to measure the quality of a site by some current industry standards. 

A good website should have: 

• Simple elements
• Quality typography
• Engaging color scheme
• Branding for your company
• Easy navigation
• Social media
• Apps for phones or other devices

Gugurel’s Profile Website

Gugurel’s work is one of mystic fascination, if one would pardon the use of that terminology in this context. As his page says, the work is creative and focuses on delivering quality user experience. The idea is fresh, there is literally nothing visible on the page save for few buttons so almost intuitively the user has less complications to deal with and has more time to navigate around the page. The technique? Gugurel has simply tapped into the human psychic and figured out that the visitors will spend longer on the page if they have to work less to navigate. That’s a lesson for all of in the design profession.

Grand Hotel Dicomo

I like to call this website as menus done correctly. You can see perfectly what the entire business and service is about, everything that they are offering is done brilliantly on the website. The central part is more display oriented rather than having text whereas the menu is simplistic but complete in all of the services and information about the business. Again from the outlook of design, this is one subtly done for business, it is definitely very alluring to the eye and yet fulfills all the business objectives wonderfully. Another tip for all you budding artists out there.

450 GSM

This one is a joy to behold for all the minimalism lovers out there. We all know how the minimalist design has picked up pace as a trend in the modern business construct but it is another story altogether to see a business execute it well and with a flourish. Observe the elements of the website, there aren’t many and yet the entire site carries a very clean look which instantly adds to the appeal of the site. Look at the business in question, the offer is of print and ones who want printing done want the output to be presentable. See the link? The website translates the purpose and the feature of the business.

Pervolo

This is content centered design done with excellence. Notably many sites that attempt this concept end up adding too many panels, too many menu elements and too much of side text. Notice the grey area beneath the page, that tells you of how optimized the size is and yet everything you need to know to get a flavor about what pervolo is. The one thing which gives the site edge is the mood it sets with its background. Again design, wise this is use of psychology in play to get the visitor to be attracted to the site.

Alectia

This is a mixture of flat design and minimalism done correctly. It’s a big enterprise adopting this design and it speaks quite a lot to be able to opt for this kind of a concept for your website. Partially this is because of the skill of the designer, notice how the core services are highlighted as bigger panels. Again from corporate purpose that is how the site needs to be exhibited. That it looks as professional and coherent with the business as possible.

Kreativa Studio

I like to call this a work on maximalism. Hear me out, even with the limited size of the picture you can easily understand what the entire site is about and you attribute creativity to this site. So when the user comes on to the site his first impression will probably be “wow, there’s a lot of choice here”. The trick is this diversity of options does not make him confused and instead excites him about discovering the website further. So if you add an extensive, content centered design into your website, ask the question: “would I be excited to discover the site further” and that will give you a good indication.

Velvet Hammer

This is one site you all have to visit to get a true feel of. This is creativity done correctly and done in a very refined manner. It’s only fitting that a site of this caliber should belong to a music niche supporting independent artists. The truly mesmerizing element about the site is the scrolling animation which gives a very fluid impression to the website, almost as if you’re flicking the pages of a magazine, only simpler and more alluring. Top marks for originality on this one.

Seim MC

T

here is good reason as to why simplistic expression in design is so much in trend nowadays. Look at the page above for example, the appeal and mood is good but the page is exceedingly neat and yet still displays its features. This is a clever mix of content centrism and minimalism and this is especially achievable in certain conversion methods of creating websites such as PSD to HTML. 

The company is a strategy consultant for businesses so it obviously needs to display its content amply, but their approach to fulfilling that is superb. So in retrospect they are catering to each business need and are actually helping them scroll through their services in a more efficient manner.

Thru You Too

This is a concept in website making which is seldom executed successfully as a commercial front. This one is successful because of the minimalist approach it takes in each transition. So the elements of art and the animation are all standard but very natural in the manner they flow form one video to another in the playback. 

So all in all the result comes out as an experience for the user as he scrolls through the website. This is promotional effort and it does pretty well in terms of putting itself out there.

Creative Live

Creative Live offers a catalog of hundreds of creative, online classes. Some are free and some are available for purchase at a reasonable price. Their site is inviting and easy to navigate through classes. I especially enjoy their typography which is readable and catches the eye.

Instructables

This site is good for the whole family! They have categories such as recipes, DIY projects, outdoor, design, and more with instructions that are easy to read and follow and you’re also available to download instructions into PDF form if you go pro. It’s a very simple site that is still presented efficiently.

Keep

Here’s a fashion and beauty site that is comparable to Pinterest. The pages are clean and neat. You’re able to hover the photo of the item you’re viewing and ‘like, keep, or buy,’ which makes it especially catered to online shoppers. Online shoppers want a site that provides a safe and quick transaction; this is the type of sight they looks for.

Elite Daily

If you want to read up on events in the news or something out of the ordinary, Elite Daily will surely have it. Their articles are witty and blunt. There are minimal ads, the typography is appealing, and you’ll always be surprised by what they come up with. 

Their social media is on point with thousands of shares daily on Facebook.

Elle Decor

Not only a beautiful magazine, but Elle Decor has a beautiful website as well. Elle Decor’s website invites you in with class and style. The digital landscape is evolving and changing and Elle Decor is ahead of the game.

Whole Foods Market

I believe Whole Foods just redesigned their website and it looks awesome! It used to be hard to navigate but now it has specific pages for specific questions. It’s also colorful with bright/neutral colors and has an earthy feel to it, which never hurts!

Lush

This is one of my favorite sites, not only for the products they sell but for the way it’s designed. On that note, watch this awesome video from Lush Digital that shows how web design can and should make a massive statement. 

Their new website design (powered by Drupal) increased website visits every month by 71% because of the progressive displays, interactivity and the look and feel of the site.

Vimeo

Unless you haven’t used a computer in the last five years, you’ve most likely heard of this one. Vimeo is a video sharing platform that was created in 2004 by a group of filmmakers. There are now over 14 million members and some say they prefer Vimeo instead of YouTube. The videos are works of art and people are able to express themselves. They offer a cleaner aesthetic compared to other sharing platforms and there are no ads!

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10 Lists to Keep If I Want to Be Successful

The human mind is truly incredible, and we should all strive towards creating a tenacious memory we can rely on. Many lucrative professions or hobbies require such a trait—actors, musicians, artists and entertainers in general do countless drills, just so the required information can be embedded in the memory with certainty. Clearly numerous doors that lead to a successful future are unlocked if one has a great memory. Although beneficial, it is not an essential ingredient within the success formula—what you lack in memory can always be compensated with diligence.

Keeping track of crucial elements in your life through list-making is still an unrivaled tactic for counterbalancing feeble recollection. By utilizing constant reminders, we can have significantly greater organization, we won’t be under the impression we have forgotten something, and we will have a clear insight into which task has a stamp of immediacy attached to it. Here are ten suggested lists that warrant implementation, in order to track achievements and nurture ambition.

1. List of Goals

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
—Zig Ziglar

Goals and ambition is what drives us and motivates us, but we need to ask ourselves what is it that we want in order to feel truly accomplished. Your list of goals should consists of all the items that you deem are necessary to truly respect yourself. It can be financial stability, a place you can call your own, starting your family, being independent, etc. People have different criteria when it comes to goals, and this list in particular is ever-growing; it changes as you mature, but it always feels great when you cross something out of it. Without such a list, you lose direction of where your life is heading, and we all need some inner guidance to focus on—a good reason to get up in the morning.

2. List of Tasks

“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.”
—Theodore Isaac Rubin

Tasks are actually milestones on the road to goal completion, and these lists have a tendency to become quite copious. New tasks emerge on a daily basis, regardless of whether you are an employee, a student, or a freelancer. Despite the fact that they are arduous, we always have some sense of achievement once the task is complete, or when a certain problem is solved. By avoiding to make such lists and lists of our daily tasks, they’ll simply pile up and eventually become a hindrance.

In the event you have larger tasks that need more than a day, a week or a month before they can be completed, then break those tasks into smaller daily assignments, and put them on the list as well. As long as you monitor larger tasks while completing minor daily milestones, you will have a greater grip on progression and continuous source of motivation. List and sticky notes are actually quite potent tools for increase in productivity, especially while we are working from home.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that you should also have a list of personal tasks, or tasks you do for the sake of self-fulfillment. These are related to your personal goals, and governing passions—writing a book, painting, crafting etc. These tasks will define you and offer a much greater sense of achievement, so give it your all to create something you can be proud of.

3. List of Contacts

“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”
—Aristotle

It would be delusional to assume you can make it all on your own; however, at the same time, a flawed partnership can result in disastrous outcome as well. It is extremely difficult to find compatible allies and contacts, since friends and family—in other words, people close to you—may not be the best choice for a business partner. If you want to enter into a partnership with someone, make sure the person shares the same vision. Tread lightly and try to ascertain your potential partner’s level of reliability.

Throughout life, we come across skillful, capable and talented people, whose competence might be needed in the future, depending on your line of work of course. Do not be hesitant to offer a helping hand when they are in need, since you can gain a valuable contact. The point being: make a special list of all important contacts, like reliable programmers, handymen, lawyers, etc. Remember not to only reach out when you are in need. You need to maintain a healthy and natural relationship and be there for those people if they require your assistance. Truth be told, it can be arduous to forge strong friendship bonds, but having important acquaintances and becoming an important acquaintance is very much possible.

Without such a list, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to possible future complications; moreover, make sure this list is well-kept since once you lose a contact like this one, it can be somewhat troublesome to recover such data. Just be sure you have recovery data tools at your disposal to mitigate the damage if something were to happen to your phone.

4. List of Expenses

“A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.”
—Jonathan Swift

This may be a quite mundane piece of advice, yet it is very often neglected. As we all know, there are two types of expenses: those that are necessary, (bills, taxes, food) and those expenditures used for indulging some personal cravings. There is a degree of restraint that the majority of us lack in order to approach the matter with a satisfying level of prudence. To say it bluntly, we treat our wants like our needs, and necessities and primary obligations are pushed in the background. Of course, this may sound a bit exaggerated, but the truth is the pressure of a consumer’s culture eventually becomes overwhelming, resulting in a purchase we shouldn’t be able to afford at the time. This kind of behavior can be avoided by utilizing lists, and turning them into an omnipresent reminder of what is truly important.

By making lists of all the monthly expenses we are obligated to pay, we’ll have a clear overview with how much resources are there at our disposal. On the other hand, without this list filled with meticulous calculations, we are prone to believing that we have more freedom to engage in a shopping spree, ultimately causing our bills to pile up; thus, we end up a step closer to a financial suicide. Handling finances properly, or the fact that we prioritize the costs of living, is a responsibility that signifies maturity. Success is commonly measured by the amount of wealth and without adequate spending tactics, you prevent its accumulation.

5. List of Useful Tools

“If you’re the type of person who has to fulfill your dreams, you’ve got to be resourceful to make sure you can do it.”
—Vin Diesel

Today’s society vastly depends on the use of technology—we exchange information, conduct calculations, measure time, etc. This level of reliability also suggests liability. If something were to happen to our cell phone or personal computer, it would be a sizable setback that could harm our capabilities severely. As mentioned, losing contacts can truly be troublesome. It is even worse however, to have your life’s work lost and compromised.

Useful tools are not only limited to recovering damage; they also encompass tools that make your job easier. With efficiency and a greater level of competence, you are a step closer toward success. Using the right apps and tools can make up for our lack of skills in a particular area, or simply help us manage our work in a more timely manner. Keeping a list of useful tools will come in handy whenever you are faced with more common problems, like finding a good restaurant for a business dinner, driving through unfamiliar terrain, task management, learning, and there are even tools capable of helping you recover stolen property.

Even though the list is not as crucial as the ones mentioned so far, it is undeniable that having it can save you a lot of time if the need for it ever arises. The Internet is a vast sea of both useful and useless tools, and by filtering out those that are irrelevant, you won’t have to conduct countless searches when you are in need of adequate tools for problem solving.

6. List of Self Improvements

“The minute that you’re not learning I believe you’re dead.”
—Jack Nicholson

Reasonable to assume this one is unavoidable, and it always deserves to be mentioned. It is safe to assume we are all aware of our shortcomings; if not all of them at least some of them. Think about yourself, make a list of all the things you would like to improve or change, then consider how to implement those changes. Despite the fact that those who are close to you do not pressure you into changing or improving, you should always make constant endeavours to do so, for your own sake.

The list of improvements should consist of physical changes, changes spiritual in nature, abandoning bad habits etc. No one expects you to change entirely in a short time period, but making a decision to change one thing on a yearly basis is a viable resolution, quite easy to execute. The list is there simply to remind you which improvement to prioritize, and build up your confidence after each completion. Refusing to change can either result in lack of confidence and depression, or becoming an overconfident and self-absorbed person that no one will tolerate for long; both of these traits are contradictory to your quest for a successful future.

7. List of Creative Ideas

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
—Waldo Emerson

Throughout history, people who made the most significant impact on the world were those with a revolutionary way of thinking, those who dared to challenge the established order and alter the status quo. For an idea to be classified as creative, it needs to be new, it needs to make sense, and it needs to have some sort of use. For example, creating something to help the disabled communicate online, or simply type—that way, people who have lost their limbs could blog or become creative writers, and show the world a piece of their mind. Thus a keyboard in a form of braces could enable them to type using their tongue; however I am not an engineer, so I do not know whether something like this is possible.

Whenever a new idea comes to your mind write it down, then browse the web to see if you indeed have stumbled upon something ground-breaking. Once your list has grown, then you need to start pondering on the subject to see whether it holds closer scrutiny. Ask for a second opinion and see what you would need to realize your idea. In a majority of cases, this is how successful people are created. Rest assured that it is very possible that people won’t be impressed with your creativity as much as you are, but do not allow yourself to be discouraged—after all, perseverance has a crucial role in a career as well. Monitoring your thoughts incites productive thinking and hones your focus; it keeps our mind occupied. Letting your good ideas slide is only a wasted potential that will put your progress in a halt.

8. List of Future Plans

“The future is uncertain but the end is always near.”
―Jim Morrison

We have all heard statements like “Tomorrow is a mystery,” “Live for today,” and “You can’t affect the future.” Personally, I heavily disagree with such a point of view. Although I do agree that, in particular circumstances, making plans for the future is doing Sisyphus work, not planning it at all seems utterly mortifying. I also believe that everyone makes some sort of plan; the problem is this fear of uncertainty that thwarts our will to act.

To make your resolve more adamant, compile a list of your future plans, see what you need in order to make them come true. This one is very similar to the first list—the one with goals; the difference is, it does not have to involve your personal future. Rather, it is list of upcoming important events, important changes in law, or upcoming trends, useful software, etc. It will keep you well-informed and prepared, since staying updated and relevant are essential virtues for lucrative businessmen.

9. List of Contingency Plans

“You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it.”
—Denzel Washington

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, meaning there is nothing you can do without consequences. Every attempt to be more successful usually has a set of barriers attached to it, or risks. Even though risks are inevitable, being prepared for the aftermath is always a good and necessary thing. When you plan your business incentives, or when you plan to invest in something, make sure you compose a thorough pros and cons list, as well as a list of possible negative scenarios. In the event that positive aspects outweigh the negative ones, you can be more encouraged to proceed further.

Make an effort to be constantly prepared for the backlash of major initiatives, and contain the possible damage. The lack of contingency implies recklessness, and it was adamantly made clear how this approach contradicts advancement. Make leaps of faith only when you have no other options to explore.

10. Bucket List

“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone.”
—Harriet Beecher Stowe

Finally, learn to live for the sake of experiencing what life has to offer. It is invigorating, to say the least, and it keeps your regrets at minimum. One of the reasons why we want to be successful is to actually fulfil our dreams or complete our bucket list, to look back on our life during old age with a warm smile rather than a frown. Feel free to put even the impossible things on your bucket list, and find the next best thing using your creativity. Whenever you reach a rough patch in your life, take a look at you bucket list and see what is the most plausible thing to do in order to restore your will power and keep going.

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Best cases and covers for your brand-new iPhone 6S

Apple makes beautiful smartphones, but durability is not a major focus. Because the new iPhone 6S packs in more features than ever before, there’s no doubt it will sell like hot cakes, so if you want to preserve that elegant design then you really need to take some precautions. The case market has exploded in recent years, so you can get solid drop protection, find all sorts of stylish finishes, and even add some functionality very easily.
Updated on 11-2-2015 by Simon Hill: Added cases by Burkley, Adopted, Rhino Shield, iDeal, and Grovemade.
To help narrow down your choices, these are the best iPhone 6S cases we’ve seen so far.
Related: Best iPhone 6 cases

Burkley Walletcase ($34)

Here’s a hand-crafted wallet case in high quality leather that comes in a variety of different finishes. You’ll find a black, polycarbonate shell inside that your iPhone 6S snaps into. It’s minimalist, with cut-outs for all the buttons and ports. Around that, you have a leather folio with a diagonal flap that contains a magnetic closure. On the inside cover there are three card slots, and you can also fold the cover back to act as a landscape stand. There’s a cut-away on the back to enable normal camera use. If the eye-catching, limited edition, fiesta red isn’t to your tastes, check out the other finishes, including the gorgeous antique coffee.
Available at:
Amazon

Adopted Frame Case ($40)

This case has an expensive look and feel to it, but it’s really a bumper, or a frame, rather than a typical iPhone 6S case. The frame and the button covers are aluminum, and it has genuine, full-grain leather panels to provide contrast, comfort, and grip. There’s a latch at the bottom left corner, which makes it easy to put on and take off, and there are openings for the ports and the side switch. It extends beyond the iPhone body front and back to provide all-round protection. Even though it’s just a frame, it does add bulk; it almost squares off the rounded corners of your iPhone. We’re not sure about drop protection, but it certainly fits nicely with Apple’s design.
Available at:
Adopted

Rhino Shield PlayProof Case ($30)

It was the Crash Guard bumper ($25) that first brought Rhino Shield to our attention, and it’s still worth a look, but the case maker has now widened its line-up with the new PlayProof case. This is more of a traditional fitted case, blending a hard shell with a shock-absorbing hexagonal pattern on the inside that promises drop protection at up to 11.5 feet. The case is easy to fit, the cut-outs are generous for easy access to ports, and the button covers are pronounced, so you can find and use them easily without looking. It’s a lightweight, slim case, considering the level of protection, and you can get it in a wide variety of different finishes (plain color cases are $5 cheaper). The only thing we don’t like is the slippery back.
Available at:
Evolutive Labs

iDeal Swipe Wallet Case ($44)

The Swipe Wallet case for the iPhone 6S combines a number of really smart features. There’s a minimalist hard, plastic shell in black, which you can snap your iPhone 6S into. It has the full range of cut-outs and a textured finish that aids grip. It attaches to the fake leather (polyurethane) wallet portion via magnets, so you can take the jacket on and off as you like (iDeal also sell magnetic mounts). The wallet has two card slots on the back for easy access, a magnetic closure, and there’s a window in the front to display the time, incoming calls, or music controls. A series of four, shiny metal segments, near the bottom of the cover, enable you to answer and hang up calls without having to open the wallet. It can also double up as a landscape stand. You’ll enjoy the clever design and stylish feel of this iDeal case.
Available at:
iDeal

Grovemade Walnut Case ($100)

You can’t help falling in love with Grovemade’s wares, but they’re not cheap. Crafted from Oregon Claro Walnut, each case has a unique grain, and they’re all sanded and finished by hand in Portland, Oregon. The natural wood looks and feels fantastic, the button covers work well, and there are openings for the ports, camera, and side switch. Grovemade has struggled to produce wooden cases that don’t add a lot of bulk in the past, and its solution here is to offer a bumper and a separate back plate that adheres directly to the back of your iPhone 6S. It’s not all style over substance, this case will offer some protection for your iPhone, but it is thin wood at the end of the day, so the case may not survive a drop or bump unscathed.

Available at:
Grovemade

Nodus Shell Case ($61)

We loved the folio style Access Case by Nodus, so we were excited to hear about the new design for the Shell case. It’s crafted from the same full grain Italian leather, but this case is a slim, polycarbonate shell with a soft, microfiber lining that your iPhone 6S will fit snugly into. It’s very slim, has accurate cut-outs for your ports and the camera, and sports subtle button covers. There’s no distracting detail, just an embossed octopus logo on the back. The Shell case also comes with a small magnetic dock (a square of metal bearing that same stylish octopus logo) that you can stick wherever you want. It’s a handy way to keep your iPhone 6S safe while charging, or to use it hands-free.

Available at:
Nodus

Cover-Up Woodback Snap Case ($26)

Natural wood grain is always a pleasant look, and Cover-Up’s cases strike a nice balance between style and affordability. This a slim case that snaps onto the iPhone 6S. The main shell is black polycarbonate with openings for all of the buttons, ports, and the camera. The back panel comes in a wide variety of different natural wood finishes, including padauk, bamboo, and blackened ash. These cases aren’t going to provide rugged drop protection, but they’ll guard against scrapes and bumps. The wood is all sustainable, hand-sanded, and waxed, and each one looks unique.

Available at:
Cover-Up Amazon

MagBak Case ($39)

Here’s another iPhone 6S case with a magnetic touch. The MagBak, as the name suggests, has a magnetic strip inside it, and it ships with two MagSticks, which are small magnetic strips with adhesive backs that you can stick on the car dash or the kitchen tile for mounting your iPhone. The case itself comes in six different colors, feels malleable and soft to the touch, and has a black microfiber lining inside. There are cut-outs for the ports, switch, and camera, and subtle button covers. It’s very slim, so it may not provide much drop protection, but the magnetic docks are potentially very handy.
Available at:
MagBak

Encase Leather Wallet Case ($32)

This case is padded and covered with neatly stitched, genuine leather in black or brown. Open up the magnetic closure, and you’ll find a full wallet replacement inside, with three card slots and a larger money pouch at the back. Your iPhone 6S clips into a tough, polycarbonate frame with the full range of openings for access to controls and ports. It’s an unobtrusive case that won’t draw undue attention to your iPhone 6S, and it offers complete all-round protection from falls, bumps, and scratches.
Available at:
Mobile Fun

Trident Aegis Pro Case ($35)

You may think you’ve seen the Aegis before, but Trident has redesigned it for the iPhone 6S. It’s still a seriously tough case that meets military drop test standard 810G, by blending tough polycarbonate on the outside with a shock absorbent TPE inner. This case also features good button covers, plugs to protect the ports, and a raised lip to safeguard the screen. It has a lanyard loop, and it comes with a screen protector. There’s a texture on the back to aid grip, and it has a clever slide on design for an easy fit. It is definitely bulky, but it will also definitely protect your iPhone 6S if you drop it.
Available at:
Trident

Griffin Amazon

Caseology Envoy Series Case ($17)

You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of cash to get a case that looks expensive. Caseology is best known as a budget case manufacturer, but it brings plenty of style and a fashionable aesthetic to this minimalist line for the iPhone 6S. The Envoy Series combines a flexible TPU bumper case with a PU leather backing. There’s a raised lip on the front to protect the screen, rubberized button covers that are easy to find and press, and accurate openings for the ports and the camera. The frame has a metallic gold finish, but you can get a variety of different effects on the back including black or white carbon fiber, or a blue, brown, or gold faux leather.
Available at:
Caseology Amazon

X-Doria: Defense Lux Case ($60)

Can you have solid protection and style in the same case? X-Doria certainly thinks so. The Defense Lux has a soft rubber inner, an impact-resistant polycarbonate back, and an anodized aluminum frame. The whole package meets military drop test standard 810G, so it will survive falls from up to 6.6 feet. You can choose from a range of luxurious finishes on the back including carbon fiber, soft leather, and crocodile skin. There’s a lip on the front to safeguard the screen, and metallic covers to protect the buttons.
Available at:
X-Doria Amazon

Otterbox Strada Series Case ($50)

The Strada Series is something a little different for Otterbox, a company usually known for its highly protective cases. You still get a solid shell the iPhone 6S snaps into, that offers real drop protection, but there’s also a genuine leather cover and a metallic highlight bearing the Otterbox logo on the side for a classy look. The metal plate has a magnetic latch to keep the cover securely closed in your pocket or bag. The inside has a soft lining and a single slot for a business card or ID. The button covers and openings are precise. You can get this in classic black, or reddish brown.
Available at:
Otterbox Amazon

Skech Ice Case ($30)

Here’s a nice, practical case from Skech which isn’t too bulky. It features a classic combination of soft interior wrapped in a hard shell. The openings are large, so there’s no interference with the camera or ports. The button covers are easy to find and not too stiff. It’s a comfortable case to hold thanks to the soft touch finish. We also really like the protective rim, which extends to protect the screen should your phone land face down, and also covers the back to prevent scratches. This grippy case comes in six different colors.
Available at:
Skech

Silk Innovation: PureView Clear Case ($12)

The cheapest case on our list is a slim bumper with an internal tread that promises to absorb shock. It has a clear back to allow Apple’s iPhone 6S design to shine through. The button covers are quite large, and there are big openings for the ports and camera. It looks quite good for such a cheap case and should provide basic protection. You can pick it up in gold, black, transparent frost, or grey. It’s easy to customize this case by slipping a picture into the clear back section — there’s even a template provided so you can trim the picture for a perfect fit. You also get a screen protector in the box.
Available at:
Amazon

Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-iphone-6s-cases/4/#ixzz3qQFLlL7Q

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Top 10 internet accelerators

With broadband now commonplace, internet accelerators have gone out of fashion somewhat with creaky old modems consigned to the bin. However, as broadband speed is often subject to wild variations depending on where you live, who your ISP is, how far you are from the telephone exchange etc, some people might find that there's still a place for internet accelerators in their lives. Here's a selection of the top 10 that cover broadband modems, dial-ups and network connections. None of these can guarantee to speed-up your connection and you should contact your ISP if you've got serious problems.

• Throttle - Boost your internet speed by 200%

• FastNet99 - Tweak DNS settings to increase your browsing speed

• BeFaster - Optimise your speed online and offline

• Internet Speed Up - Tests and configures your connection according to bandwidth

• Modem Booster - If you're still on a modem, this could increase speed by 300%

• WorldWebAccess Accelerator - Includes pop-up and spam killers

• Internet Accelerator - Optimises internet speeds over network connections

• TweakMASTER Pro - Tweaks everything from DNS settings to dial-up modems

• NetSpeeder - Optimises your TCP/UDP port settings

• Google Web Accelerator - Very simple accelerator that sits in your taskbar

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Best Free Downloads, Sites, and Services: The Full List

All-Time Greats

• Ad-Aware Free: Stops spyware
• Audacity: Records and edits sound
• BitTorrent: Easy online file sharing
• Dropbox: Online file syncing
• Evite: Fast party planning
• FreeConference.com: Unlimited conference calls
• IMDb: Movie facts and trivia
• OpenOffice.org: Microsoft Office alternative
• The GIMP: Tool-rich image editor
• Trillian Basic: Chat with friends on many instant messaging services

Antivirus Utilities (Tested By PCWorld)

• Alwil Avast Home Edition: Capable and thorought malware detection
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5: Excellent detection and disinfection
• Avira AntiVir Personal: Good PC disinfection
• Microsoft Security Essentials (beta): Nearly perfect in disabling infections

Audio Apps and Services

• AudioTag: Easily ID songs you can't name
• Buddha Machine Wall: Calming music source
• Grooveshark: Great place to listen to music
• Mp3Tag: Universal tag editor for audio
• Myna: Advanced audio editing
• Speakershare: Share your best PC speakers with your other computers
• TunesBag: Access songs from any browser

Backup Utilities

• Backupify: 1GB of storage, weekly backups; download backups to your PC
• Comodo Time Machine: Backup utility protects files, folders, and programs
• Macrium Reflect Free Edition: Images your hard drive for PC restoration
• SDExplorer: Access 25GB of online storage from Windows Explorer
• SpiderOak: Gives you 2GB of online backup; saves selected files when changes detected
• SyncToy: Easy home-network syncing
• Todo Backup: Images your drive or a partition

Browser Add-Ons, Apps, and Utilities

• CeeVee: Online résumés with custom sharing
• Lazarus: Recover info typed into Firefox
• MailBrowser: Manage Gmail contacts, attachments, and more
• MyBrainshark: Add narration to a presentation by speaking over the phone
• PDF to Word: Turns PDFs into edit-ready docs

Collaboration Services

• LogMeIn Express: Secure screen sharing (great for troubleshooting your dad's PC)
• MiNeeds: Connect with and receive bids online from local contractors
• Tinychat: Disposable chatrooms
• Yammer: Facebook-like communications features for businesses
• Zoho Discussions: Add a feature-rich discussion forum to any online destination

Desktop Customization

• BumpTop: 3D desktop that allows you to pin up notes and photos
• DeskHedron: Create up to nine 3D desktops that you can flip through
• Fences: Organize desktop icons and make them disappear when you want them to
• InterfaceLift: PC wallpaper library
• Krento: Rotating 3D circle for app launching
• Rainmeter: Attractive, seamlessly embedded desktop overhaul
• StandaloneStack 2: Animated shortcuts for easy access to folder contents
• T3Desk: Minimizes programs to the PC desktop

Mobile Apps and Services

• BlueRetriever: Helps recover lost gadgets
• Connectify: Turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot
• Instapaper: Bookmark Web pages; strip them to text-only for easy mobile reading
• OverMyMinutes: Helps you stay within your cell-phone plan allotment
• Xpenser: Track expenses via the Web

Photo Utilities

• Easy Poster Printer: Print small to giant posters from your digital images
• The Golden Hour Calculator: Find the best light to shoot photos
• Paint.Net: Lightweight Photoshop alternative
• Phoenix: Web-based image editor
• Shrink Pic: Autoresizing of digital images

Productivity Tools

• DoPDF Free PDF Converter: Fast and simple PDF conversion
• Drop.io for Outlook: Share large files in Outlook
• Ecofont: Special design allows this font to consume less ink
• Everything: Thorough indexing and fast search of your desktop
• FlockDraw: A Web-based "cocktail napkin" for shared ideas
• Fonolo: Gives you access to phone menus for customer service numbers
• iCurrent: Free news site with personalization
• Liaise: Outlook add-in keeps tabs on all of your important action items
• MakeSomeTime: Keeps tabs on invoices, projects, and billable hours
• ScreenToaster: Create and e-mail or upload a video of a screen that explains something
• Tom's Planner: Easy Gantt charts

Security Utilities

• KeePass: Organizes and protects all of your important passwords with just one password
• OpenDNS: Protects kids from online violence, pornography, and other unsavory Web material
• SuperAntiSpyware: A robust malware fighter
• Web of Trust: Vets the links you click in your browers for security issues

Self-Improvement Assistants

• BudgetSketch: Track where your money will go before you spend it
• DailyBurn: Presents charts and graphs to track your fitness program
• Habitforge: Train yourself in new habits with the help of daily reminders
• Learn10: Ten new foreign-language words daily
• RunKeeper Free: Use your iPhone to keep track of your jogging sessions
• YouTube EDU: Videos of Ivy League lecturers

Social Networking Tools

• Brizzly: Performs a makeover of the Facebook and Twitter interfaces
• FacePAD: Download photo albums from Facebook, via Firefox
• FriendShopper: Shop online with friends
• Microsoft Silverlight 4 Beta Client for Facebook: Better photo-upload tool for Facebook
• OutSync: Copy friends' Facebook photos into your Outlook contacts records
• PhotoGrabber: Download photos of you found in other users' albums
• Splitweet: Tweet to single or multiple accounts at the same time
• TwInbox: Outlook add-on brings Twitter tweets to your inbox, and more

System Utilities

• Better Paste: Autostrip formatting from text with a keyboard command
• FixWin: Easy repairs for common PC annoyances
• Ketarin: Keeps your third-party apps up-to-date
• Portable Ubuntu Remix: Runs Linux applications on your Windows machine
• Teracopy: Fast file copying on the PC
• Ultimate Windows Tweaker: Optimizes all areas of Windows 7 or Vista
• Win7 Library Tool: Add the contents of networked folders to libraries, and more
• Wizmouse: Makes your mouse's scrollwheel work with any window it hovers over

Timesavers

• Belvedere: Automated file manager works with the rules you set
• Cache My Work: Autoreloads the apps running when you restart your PC
• Ninite: Installs your all favorite free apps in the background, after a Windows reinstall or anytime
• PhraseExpress: Monitors your typing for shorthand text and expands it to larger snippets
• Read It Later: Mark material for later enjoyment in Firefox or on your smartphone
• Rescue Time: Monitors your apps and sites and provides graphs on how you spent your day

Video Tools and Services

• Boxee Beta: Plays back PC and Web-based media on your HDTV
• Classic Cinema Online: Watch classic films
• Clicker: Aggregates Internet videos
• DoubleTwist: A great iTunes alternative for media
• Hulu Desktop: Desktop app for Hulu's video
• Jinni: Select movies and videos to watch based on keywords such as plot or mood
• Libox: Private network to share large media files
• ShowMeWhatsWrong: Lets people record and share screencasts of what's ailing their PC

Windows 7-Style Features for Older PCs

• AeroSnap: Let Windows XP and Vista utilize the Aero Snap features of Win 7
• Seven Remix XP: Gives XP's icons, box, buttons the look of Win 7 graphics
• Taskbar Shuffle: Reorder XP and Vista taskbar items with a simple drag and drop
• Windows 7 Shortcuts: Add Win 7 time-saving keyboard shortcuts to XP and Vista
• WinShake: Brings Win 7's Aero Peek and Aero Shake features to earlier versions of Windows

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