USB cables that close in on themselves have been around for a while, but they didn’t address the star phone of the moment.

Well, the Sync and Charger cable for iPhone/iPod solves that. An extra battery is expensive, but with the right cable any computer in the area can become an emergency charger. Not the best looking charm around, but it can be easily attached, and it won’t get tangled with all the junk you have in your bag.

It works for all iPhones and iPods and it’s cheap, so if you don’t have a cable or you just want one that’s easier to carry around, there’s no harm in giving this a shot.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $10.99 on USBFever.com.

Via GearDiary

You might not know who Paul Frank is, but you can’t have missed Julius the Monkey.

If you’re a fan and an iPhone owner, head over to the Apple website to get one of the Paul Frank Silicone Cases for iPhone 3G. There’s 5 models available, three featuring our friend the monkey and two with a pirate theme (yarrr).

Design aside, the case has all the usual features: super-durable silicone, form-fitting, better grip, easy access to all the phone controls, connectors, camera, speakerphone, and microphone, so it makes a pretty nice deal for a designer case.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.95 on Apple.com.

Via ChipChick

Although the iPod is definitely a perfect example of eye-candy design, it is possible to get bored with it. It’s natural. And when that happens, you need to make it look different: get a skin. Of course, you don’t have to wait until you get bored: skins also comes with extra protection, which is never a bad idea. And as far as this goes, the iSkin Vibes for iPod Nano 4G have both the looks and features parts covered.

They come in 7 patterns with funky (and silly, to be honest) names like Croc, Enchanted, Ivy, Orbitz, Tao, Argyle or Camouflage. They’re transparent and patterned using a special method, and you can even virtually try them on your exact mp3 player color to see how it will look.

But appearances aren’t everything: the iSkins not only cover the body of the iPod, but they protect the click wheel and even the docking port (do you really want to know how much dust and crumbs can fit inside it?).

Perhaps a tad pricey at $24.99, but with so many features they’re worth it.

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

Via GearDiary

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

From the land of cases comes another unusual one. Apple products get the attention yet again: your 80GB/120GB iPod Classic can be housed from now on in a Proporta Playback Pack.

Retro is the new cool, so this emulates an old-school cassete tape case. Don’t tell me that you don’t miss the noise those favorite tapes made when you took them out! However, although the case might bring nostalgia, it does look a bit clunky for my taste, honestly.

The good part is that the design allows it to be used as a stand for the mp3 player too. And, best of all, the pack comes with goodies: a Proporta Stereo Y Splitter Cable and a pair of headphones.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $28.95 on Porporta.com.

Via GearDiary