Most iPhone cases follow the look of the phone itself – sleek lines, modern design. Which is great, some cases are beautiful, but so far people who prefer a different style didn’t have much to choose from.

But the Speck Fitted iPhone 3G case is something different: a hard shell covered in soft fabric in pinstripe/houndstooth/plaid pattern. It uses a simple snap-together design which allows access to all ports and controls, and the fabric makes it easier to grip.

While this is definitely not a case for futuristic-looking design fans, it could be the perfect thing for business people or women who like matching all their acessories..

How much under $29.99?
A little: $22.56 on Amazon.com.

Via ChipChick

World of Warcraft players are currently facing new challenges with the release of a new patch, just one month before the long-awaited expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. Servers are unstable, the changes can be confusing… a trip to the real world won’t hurt. Especially when the real world lets you express your love of the game in a highly personalized way.

The Custom World of Warcraft Tabard t-shirt is genius. You get to choose your tabard style (using the same icons as the game), your realm, guild, character name, race and class, and finally print it on the t-shirt you like.

This ranks very high on my “coolest WoW apparel” list and it would be one of the best presents a dedicated player could get.
(*hint hint*)

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on SwagDog.com.

One of the coolest camera gadgets I’ve seen recently is the Camera Wrap, a case that stays attached to it at all times. And, one month later, here comes its counterpart: the Wrap/Micro Tripod Combo.

Like the name says, it’s a wrap and a tripod in one – an excellent combination in my book. Of course, you won’t be using that tiny tripod for fancy photos, but just think how convenient this can be on holidays. What’s better, a camera and a tripod in a large case or a lightweight wrap with legs?

Seeing as my backpack has been described as “ready for the apocalypse”, I need to start carrying less stuff around. This would be a good start.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.30 on Amazon.com.

Via bookofjoe

Winter is coming faster than some of us would like… but what does that mean for gadget enthusiasts? More chances of slipping on ice and landing on the iPhone, for one. And freezing fingers, second.

While there’s no cure for bad balance, there is a potential solution to problem no. 2. But how can you use your phone or mp3 player while wearing gloves and not have to take them off all the time? The Freehands say the answer is removable caps. When you need a free finger, simply flip back the cap and attach it to the back of the glove via the imbedded magnets. You can even choose not to uncover all fingers if you only use one for texting…

My experience with something similar (one large cap for all fingers) wasn’t very good, because the gloves weren’t warm enough. And constantly flipping the cap back and forth can be tedious. But it depends how much you care about your comfort, in the end. I’d rather learn to text with gloves on.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $20 on Freehands.com (fleece version).

Via BoingBoing

Powertool enthusiasts know the brand Black & Decker well. Although the B&D 8-Inch Auto Wrench doesn’t quite fall in that category (not being that powerful and all), it’s still not a run-of-the-mill tool.

It doesn’t require much effort on the part of the DYIer or the specialist: it automatically adjusts to any size nut or bolt up to 1-1/4-inch at touch of button. It even comes with the batteries, but that makes it weigh 1.3 pounds – it’s not exactly light. Apart from the no-effort operation, it boasts professional heat-treated hardened steel which provides 220 foot-pounds of torque.

Not the kind of thing dad would use every day… but mine would sure love one for the sheer novely factor.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $20.99 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.

Via DVICE

Any game, no matter how silly or repetitive, becomes exciting when you’re bored. I’ve played the Sony-Ericsson version of Space Invaders more than I’d like to admit. But the 5 Second Stadium Stopwatch Game is of a different breed.

It’s extremely simple: you have to push the button after exactly 5 seconds. Only you don’t see the timer so you have to guess. Can someone be entertained by something like this for more than an hour? It depends on the level of boredom, I suppose.

But the develppers were smart, see, so it’s actually got 4 modes, not just one. The other 3 are 10-Second Chicken Race (the goal is to get as close to 10 seconds as possible without going over), practice mode (you can see the timer) and challenge mode (with “varying time stages”, presumably the same thing as the 5 seconds version but with different timers).

Each set comes with two timers (in case you’re with a friend who’s just as bored, probably). So, what are you waiting for? Oh, right: for it to cost $5, not $29. And a severe case of absolutely nothing else to do.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $29 on Kilian-Nakamura.com.

Via OhGizmo!

Chain letters are stupid. And yet, how many people don’t get it? Even worse: how many are your friends? Depressing indeed. Intelligent people seem to lose it when faced with a story about how Bob didn’t forward it and then got hit by a truck. And, while the internet undoubtedly contributed to the general well-being of the world, it also made sending chain letters so much easier.

But you know… there’s no way out. If I get one more retarded e-mail, I’ll personally kill the sender. On the other hand… maybe the Chain Letter t-shirt has a point. In which case, I’m sorry, you’re screwed either way.

(Then again, at least Death is cute!)

How much under $29.99?
A littke: $25.99 on ShirtPervert.com.

Via FashionablyGeek

If you’re fond of gadgets, long car trips sometimes spell trouble. My laptop dies in 1 hour and a half and my mp3 player might have a good battery life, but a 7-hour long drive of constantly hitting “next” (yeah, I have a problem) is too much for it.

The Coffee Cup Inverter is just like all the other car chargers, in the sense that it powers your gizmos on the move. It’s also not like all the other car chargers, because it offers two outlets and one USB port (laptop & iPod at the same time!) and it’s shaped like a cup. Normally I’d say a square box would’ve been more than enough, but the shape is actually a good idea: this way it fits perfectly in a cup holder and stays there even through bumpy roads and sudden brakes.

Almost $30 is too much if you only take a long trip a year, but I’d say it’s worth it if you’re a frequent car traveler.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $26.60 on Amazon.com.

Via gizmodo

The Cush Booties were designed for camping, but I would definitely buy them for around the house because they have that one important selling point: they keep your feet warm.

Of course, if you’re planning to camp in cold weather you’re more interested in the specific features, so here they are. First, the outsoles are made from slip resistant nylon, so you won’t risk flying head first on a slick surface, but they’re still comfortable enough you can keep them on inside the sleeping bag. Second, they’re warm (the faux-shearling and nylon take care of that) and third, they don’t take up much space.

I’m not a camping pro in the least, but after freezing my ass (and feet) off in a couple of tents along the years… yes please, I’ll take all the insulation I can get.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on Sahalie.com.

Via bookofjoe

Although summer is over (at least in the northern hemispehere), we can all remember the sweltering heat. If you’re not lucky enough to be in an air conditioned space… ouch. Naturally, fan sales take a leap during summer and everyone is trying to make their products look best. Then it’s in the closet with them until next year.

But the O2Cool 8″ MP3 Speaker Fan just might be spared that fate, because it’s got one extra feature: two 3″ speakers. Convenient, right? Sitting at your desk, listening to music, cool wind blowing in your face… Just one problem: if you thought you cool hook it up to your laptop, tough luck: there’s no USB connection. The fan can be battery or AC powered and works with most mp3 players, which means it’s best suited for people who don’t use a computer all day. Too bad, I’m sure even these tiny things are better than my laptop speakers, and a breeze would make hot days at work much more pleasant.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on Lowes.com.

Via ChipChick