Hot Accessories For Your i-Device
By
Dawn Gordon Luks
There are thousands of accessories available for Apple’s iDevices (a.k.a iPod, iPhone and iPad), but which ones are worth buying? As a long-time i-user I’ve owned and tested my fair share of gadgets, below are my favs:
i-C4 charger $229 http://www.madsonline.com/index.html
This charging system is fantastic for multi-i-Device households. You can charge up to four different iPads, iPhones and iPods in any combination, and get real-time charging status via color-coded LEDs. The i-C4 features fast charging with 10 watts of power to each device. For a bit more money, you can opt for the i-C4 Syncing charger which will sync all docked devices directly to your computer. All models come in three colors: black, red or blue. I love mine!
Power Support Films $10+ http://www.powersupportusa.com/
Power support films are so good that they should be included with every iDevice. If you want to protect your screen from unsightly scratches then these films are highly recommended. Not only do they protect your device, but the HD Anti-Glare variety make it much easier to read in direct sunlight and they greatly reduce fingerprints as well. Unlike competitors, these films go on dry and are very easy to apply and remove, with no sticky residue. If you’re buying it for the iPhone 4 or 4S, check out the 2 piece film set with an Anti-Glare Front and a Crystal Back.
Lifeproof Case $79.99 http://www.lifeproof.com/
Power Support films are great, but they won’t protect your iPhone from a drop in the toilet or a tumble to the floor. That’s where the LifeProof case comes in. This slim case guards against water, shocks and dust like nothing else. Available for the iPhone 4, 4S, and soon, the iPad too.
Audyssey Audio Dock for iPod & iPhone ($399.99) www.audyssey.com
From the people who brought room equalization to the modern AV receiver, the folks at Audyssey have developed a rocking iPod speaker/dock with outstanding sound quality at a great price. The dock also features wireless audio streaming and a speakerphone function via two microphones. There's also an Audyssey iPhone app that provides additional control and customizable EQ.
Klipsch Image S4i Black In-Ear Headphones $99.99 http://www.klipsch.com/image-s4i-black-in-ear-headset
If you’re in a private listening mood and you want something better than the standard headphone fare, the Image S4i phones are a great choice. Thanks to a unique oval design, the ear-tips are most comfortable around. The unit also has a 3-button mic and remote system for volume and phone/song control with compatible Apple devices. What about the sound? In a word: Fantastic -- great bottom end and silky highs.
Danglet $14.99 http://www.collinsamerica.com/page4/page4.html
The camera on the iPhone 4 and 4S has become so good that many people (including myself) use it instead of a point and shoot. With this in mind, when you’re on vacation and sightseeing, you’ll want to wear your camera on a strap around your neck, right? So how can you do this with your iPhone? Buy a Danglet, a great little device that makes this possible. Imagine a neck-strap with a dock-connector, and you have a Danglet. Of course, there’s more to it than that. The Danglet has a unique docking latch that holds your iPhone or iPod securely.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.