iON - Universal Mobile Power Bank
We've all be told at "great things come in small packages", but upon receiving this particular power bank from iON from FSP Direct, the package itself was the object of admiration!
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iON Universal Mobile Power Bank
November 10, 2009 9:24 AM • by Audra Furuichi • Posted to Accessories | Reviews Comments (0) | Permalink
Aliph's Jawbone Prime Unboxing
Although the first generation iPhone supported Bluetooth headsets in 2007, I feel that the technology is only now making its way into the mainstream market.A lot of factors have contributed to the acceptance of these hands-free devices, among the reasons, the most probably are: 1) it's against the law to talk on your cellphone/mobile device directly and 2) the earpieces have gotten smaller more stylish.
SwitchEasy Colors for the iPhone 3G/3GS
August 10, 2009 10:09 PM • by Audra Furuichi • Posted to Accessories | Reviews Comments (0) | Permalink
Despite the iPhone's sleek and smooth design, one thing is for certain. It's not made for a klutz like me. I cannot count the number of times it has dropped from my hand, bags, lap... I'm duly surprised that it has managed thus far without anything more than one "dent" and a few minor scratches.
Upon the recommendation of a fashion savvy friend, I decided to check out SwitchEasy's "Colors" line of silicone cases. They not only came in a line of fashion forward colors (with equally appealing names like "Stealth", "Milk", "Truffle", and "Citrus") but included a revolutionary new feature: the world's first hard resin "Jelly Bean" tactile button.
So durable, fashionable, and innovative -- but how does it rate?
iPhone Car Adapter Review
How many of us are guilty of using our iPhones while we're driving? I'll be first to admit that I've done it at times even though I am fully aware that any cell phone usage while operating a car can be dangerous.
In any case, recently I was lucky enough to be able to review two products that make using your iPhone in the car a lot safer. The first product is actually a generic "PDA holder" that as the manufacturer puts it, "holds most handheld PC's." The second is the miCRADLE iPhone holder by Pro.Fit International.
The generic PDA holder takes a pretty good approach to holding your PDA or iPhone. Interestingly enough, it is able to accommodate a wide range of devices by using a spring-loaded latch that is able to expand an inch or so vertically. In fact, the generic PDA holder was even able to hold my iPhone in place with its contour showcase shell on...Definitely a plus in my book.
On the other hand, the miCRADLE is specifically designed for the iPhone and has been custom tailored to fit around the phone without a case. The product designers at Pro.Fit International have done a VERY good job of creating a superior fit and finish. All of the parts are very high quality and nice touches such as felt bumpers on the inside of the cradle have been included.
The only major downside to both of these holders was that installing them was a pain. In a nutshell, the first step was to remove part of the car's console. The next step was to drill holes into the frame behind the console and screw the holder's arm directly into the console. Lastly, the arm needed to be attached to the holder. The upside to screwing these holders into your car is that in the event of a crash or sudden stop, your iPhone would not go flying.
In the end, both of these products provide a good solution to the problem of freeing up your hands while you drive and talk on the phone at the same time. Detailed product shots are available in our gallery.
Generic PDA Holder Pros:
Able to expand vertically to fit a variety of devices
Can accommodate an iPhone with a case
Relatively Cheap
Generic PDA Holder Cons:
Constructed of cheap plastic
Need to drill holes into console for installation
Not so visually attractive
Not able to pivot horizontally
miCRADLE Pros:
Custom Designed for the iPhone
High quality construction
Will not scratch or mark iPhone
miCRADLE Cons:
Need to drill holes into console for installation
Not able to pivot horizontally
Cannot use holder if your iPhone is in a case/holster
In any case, recently I was lucky enough to be able to review two products that make using your iPhone in the car a lot safer. The first product is actually a generic "PDA holder" that as the manufacturer puts it, "holds most handheld PC's." The second is the miCRADLE iPhone holder by Pro.Fit International.
The generic PDA holder takes a pretty good approach to holding your PDA or iPhone. Interestingly enough, it is able to accommodate a wide range of devices by using a spring-loaded latch that is able to expand an inch or so vertically. In fact, the generic PDA holder was even able to hold my iPhone in place with its contour showcase shell on...Definitely a plus in my book.
On the other hand, the miCRADLE is specifically designed for the iPhone and has been custom tailored to fit around the phone without a case. The product designers at Pro.Fit International have done a VERY good job of creating a superior fit and finish. All of the parts are very high quality and nice touches such as felt bumpers on the inside of the cradle have been included.
The only major downside to both of these holders was that installing them was a pain. In a nutshell, the first step was to remove part of the car's console. The next step was to drill holes into the frame behind the console and screw the holder's arm directly into the console. Lastly, the arm needed to be attached to the holder. The upside to screwing these holders into your car is that in the event of a crash or sudden stop, your iPhone would not go flying.
In the end, both of these products provide a good solution to the problem of freeing up your hands while you drive and talk on the phone at the same time. Detailed product shots are available in our gallery.
Generic PDA Holder Pros:
Able to expand vertically to fit a variety of devices
Can accommodate an iPhone with a case
Relatively Cheap
Generic PDA Holder Cons:
Constructed of cheap plastic
Need to drill holes into console for installation
Not so visually attractive
Not able to pivot horizontally
miCRADLE Pros:
Custom Designed for the iPhone
High quality construction
Will not scratch or mark iPhone
miCRADLE Cons:
Need to drill holes into console for installation
Not able to pivot horizontally
Cannot use holder if your iPhone is in a case/holster
Power Support Crystal Jacket Set Review
September 3, 2007 12:21 AM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to Accessories Comments (2) | Permalink
After a month of owning the Power Support Crystal Jacket set, I think it's time for a review.
I've owned an iPod since they first debuted and have had every single model ever since. My fear was always that i'd scratch my precious, shiny white and chrome gadget. In the past, I've tried everything from rubber suit cases, cloth or material cases but none did better than the Agent18 plastic case. The Agent18 case was made of some kind of poly-clear plastic that was molded around the iPods curves. It fit snugly and snapped together and gave it durable protection from all sorts of things. I could safely put the iPod in my pocket without worry. If anything the Agent18 case would get scratched. Not my iPod.
When the iPhone arrived, I looked around for a similar plastic shell casing and saw that Contour had one as well as Belkin. After waiting a bit and seeing how others liked the case, I was a little wary of purchasing any of them... including the Crystal Jacket Set. I read a few reports that said the early versions of the crystal jacket interfered with one of the proximity sensors and that part of the design was being retooled. I'm glad I waited for the newer version! The older version of the Crystal Jacket had a frosted front face. The newer one has a completely clear front, back and sides.
I've owned an iPod since they first debuted and have had every single model ever since. My fear was always that i'd scratch my precious, shiny white and chrome gadget. In the past, I've tried everything from rubber suit cases, cloth or material cases but none did better than the Agent18 plastic case. The Agent18 case was made of some kind of poly-clear plastic that was molded around the iPods curves. It fit snugly and snapped together and gave it durable protection from all sorts of things. I could safely put the iPod in my pocket without worry. If anything the Agent18 case would get scratched. Not my iPod.
When the iPhone arrived, I looked around for a similar plastic shell casing and saw that Contour had one as well as Belkin. After waiting a bit and seeing how others liked the case, I was a little wary of purchasing any of them... including the Crystal Jacket Set. I read a few reports that said the early versions of the crystal jacket interfered with one of the proximity sensors and that part of the design was being retooled. I'm glad I waited for the newer version! The older version of the Crystal Jacket had a frosted front face. The newer one has a completely clear front, back and sides.
Favorite iPhone Accessories
So we're finally at a place where we can start talking about iPhone accessories. On the iPhone debut day, we picked up just one accessory: Power Support's Crystal Film Set. This accessory will protect the iPhone screen from dirt, dust and most scratches. The best part of this film is that it uses static cling for adhesion and won't leave a residue when removed. Supposedly it's repositionable as well, but we haven't tried it yet.
After putting the film on our iPhone, no one noticed it was even on. It's pretty invisible, and fits perfectly. It can get a little tricky to put on so take your time.
A while later we tried our iPod audio out dock connector that we use in the car on the iPhone and found that it doesn't work at all. We're wondering if the audio out of the iPhone is hooked up differently than a normal iPod. We then found the 1/8" audio jack didn't fit in the iPhone's recessed plug connector. A trip to the Apple store led us to the Belkin audio adapter for the iPhone.
While the adapter is a bit large, we found that it was the right size and fit the iPhone's tiny jack like a glove. It looks ugly, but it works to get audio back into our car with the iPhone. Hopefully some manufacturer will come out with a tiny dock that allows audio out from the iPhone.
iPhone Accessories: iPhone Skin
January 22, 2007 8:02 AM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to Accessories Comments (1) | Permalink
PMP Products announced perhaps the first iPhone Skin to protect your iPhone (when it comes out that is).
"We are hard at work with our manufacturers designing some sweet iPhone skins to fit the revolutionary device. With a sensitive touch screen you'll need to protect your iPhone screen. Stay tuned to see how we are planning to extend the lifespan of your iPhone."
To be alerted when there is more info on this product, sign up at the PMP Products website: here.
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