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.
I was about to deplore the way people can just put a famous movie/TV show/actress on a product and hordes of braindead fans rush to get it… until I realized the amount of Monty Python products I drool over and I decided to shut up.
The again, the Monty merchandise I like has someting special. But the movie connection is the only thing that’s interesting about the Sex and the City GraytLittleSpeaker Portable iPod Speaker. It’s pink, branded by HBO and features “SATC graphics” – i.e. high heels and a martini glass. Other than that it’s just a plain speaker, no exciting design, no super audio features.
For fans only. All Carrie wannabes should have one (as long as you can’t afford her lifestyle, a speaker will have to do).
Gregory is an iPhone eating frog. Fortunately, he won’t swallow your prized cell phone: he will just keep it safe, along with the headphones.
The Gregory iPhone cozy is as cute as it gets and is handmade from wool felt with a plushy microfiber lining. It also fits iPods, so don’t fret if you like it but haven’t given in to the iPhone craze yet.
I don’t like covering my phones or mp3 players up, so it would take something special to make me get a case… Gregory just might be it.
We always feature physical things here, but now I couldn’t resist writing about the iBeer.
No, it’s not just a “trendy” name for an old drink – it’s an iPhone app that makes it look like you’re drinking beer out of your phone. First it pours in (with the noise we all know and love), then it’s bottoms up!
I’m fascinated, I admit. This iPhone is cool after all, I might consider getting myself one when prices drop. At least to be able to see my friends’ stunned faces when I drink a beer out of it.
After the jump, a demo video. Impressive, I tell you. [Read more]
Everyone knows how useful emergency chargers are. No one will die without one, but they’re just convenient to have.
