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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.
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..
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.
Everyone knows how useful emergency chargers are. No one will die without one, but they’re just convenient to have.
But a $6 charger? Not very trustworthy compared to what the official ones from Apple cost. The aptly named Emergency Battery Charger for iPod Nano/Video/Touch/iPhone uses 2 AA batteries and weighs 2 ounces… and that’s about all the info there is.
I wouldn’t put my trust in something that promises so much for so little, but I suppose it’s worth a shot. The loss won’t be big, at least.
The invisibleSHIELD has been around for quite a while now, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t adapt. Since Mr. Jobs announced the changes in Apple products’ design, the range of shields has grown.
The latest addition is the invisibleSHIELD for the iPod Nano 4th Gen. The technology originated in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris, so a pair of keys will be no match for it.
Depending on how much you want to protect your iPod, you can go for partial (screen-only) or full body coverage. Either way, the cover won’t impede normal usage of the device.
A video demonstration below, to asses the shield for yourselves. (I say it’s pretty damn cool.)
How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on Zagg.com (full body version).
I think religion is one of the last things people would associate with an iPod… unless they use it to listen to sermons. But since some fanboys seem to worship Apple, perhaps an accessory like the iPod Hymn Book Cover has an audience.
Unlike most cases, it needs to be opened to operate the player, which makes it uncomfortable to use. And the “hymn book” association is probably too much even for the most devout fan… but it could come in very handy for bored teens who are forced to go to church. “No, mum, it’s just the hymn book!”
The next step: figuring out how to hide the headphones. Maybe make them look like a rosary?
Unfortunately for people who couldn’t care less about Apple and their products, the iPhone 3G is the most talked about gadget… and has been in the past months. I’m sorry, but the bandwagon is too good not to jump on. And, even though I don’t plan to buy one, I do admit that it’s one beautiful and smart phone. Which anyone would want to keep in one piece. Unless they’re nuts or very rich.
The See Thru Hard Shell Case and Stand does two things: protects the phone and serves as a stand. The protection part is obvious: hard plastic between the fragile touchscreen and shiny back and the elements (keys, pavement a.s.o.). The stand is even cooler: one side of the case simply detaches and reattaches to form the base. Very practical is you want to watch videos.
Nothing out of the ordinary here really, but if you don’t want bells and whistles, this looks like a very good option.
An iPhone is expensive, so if you dished out all that money, you’ll want to keep it in one piece. And you know what happens to phones left on the dashboard at the first break…
But a cell stuck to the windshield is much safer. And, unless you want to use super glue, you’ll need an iPhone Car Mount. It installs in seconds (it’s got a suction cup, so there’s not much “installing”, really) and the phone bracket is on the end of a flexible gooseneck that can be adjusted for a perfect view of the cell. The bracket can also rotate to allow for quick transition to landscape mode… but I hope you won’t be using it to watch videos while you’re driving, right?
Devices like this might be a little distracting, but as long as you pay more attention to the road than to incoming calls, you’re safe.
Oh, and an important note: it’s not compatible with the iPhone 3G.
We all know Apple products are eye-candy, whether we actually buy them or not. And it’s just natural that owners want to protect them (even I, phone case hater #1, would consider one if I got an iPhone). Choosing the manner of protection (har har) is a matter of taste.
If looks are more important, I would suggest the iTabi. This case fits the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod classic, and focuses on style. The strap comes in two sizes, small and shoulder length, while the case itself has a front pocket that can carry stuff like money or the headphones, so in theory it could double as a very small bag (if you just run to the store to get a beer, you won’t need to carry everything with you).
The downside: it won’t fit in your pocket so easily, but the iTabi is about style, not convenience.
As far as phone accesories go, cases make number 1 on my “most hated” list. I liked to feel the phone keys, not some plastic surface, and I don’t want to extract it every time I want to tinker with the battery or my extra SIM.
A phone case I would consider using is a rare thing indeed. If I had a first generation iPhone or an iPod Touch, the iPhone Battery Case would be on my shopping list. I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t run of out battery at the worst moment; this case comes with a simple solution. Basically, it’s an extra external battery, which can be recharged just like an iPhone (using its cable, too). When the device runs out of juice, the baterry will recharge it, and you can even use the phone during the process, no need to wait. The rest of the time, the battery just sits on the bottom of the case (extra points for it being so small).
Too bad it doesn’t work for the iPhone 3G, but a new version is probably in the works.
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