Tag Archives: accessory

More Juice for your Apple iPhone



All smartphones drain batteries like electricity is going out of fashion but many external battery are bulky, fiddly or both. Gosh!‘s new Parallel battery for the iPhone 5 might be the first that’s both sleek and convenient.

The Parallel comes in two parts, the battery pack itself, and a matching iPhone case that makes connecting the phone to the battery an absolute doddle. The iPhone 5 can stay in the case when you don’t need the extra power, but as soon as the main phone battery starts to fall, whack in the extra battery and it’s good to go. The additional 2,500 mAh is a huge increase over the iPhone 5’s standard 1,440 mAh.

The Parallel battery has smooth lines that fit the iPhone 5’s taller size and the case comes in a choice of 5 colours too.

Gosh! Parallel iPhone 5 case and battery

The Parallel is on show at CES, North Hall, iLounge Pavilion, Booth 6723.

 


Breffo Spiderpodium for Smartphones and Tabets



Breffo Spiderpodium Smartphone CradleThe Breffo Spiderpodium is a flexible yet somewhat disturbing cradle for smartphones and tablets. Nic McMahon from Breffo chats with Andy and Courtney about the success of the Spiderpodium over the past year.

The Spiderpodium has had a good year with a Nasa mission and a starring role on The Apprentice (not Dragon’s Den as suggested in the video). Nic reveals a marketing tip…despite myriad uses, people have difficulty imagining how they could use the Spiderpodium. However, show the Spiderpodium in action as an iPhone holder on a bicycle and they’ll need to have one.

The smartphone version is $19.99 with the bigger tablet model priced at $34.99 and they’re available in a range of colours.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDR News and RV News Net.

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iLuv Wins With New Travel Gadgets



iLuv LogoiLuv will be familiar to many with their extensive range of matching accessories for tablets, smartphones and MP3 players. At CES this year, iLuv won no less than 5 CES Innovations Honoree awards to add to their collection of accolades. Todd gets a review of their latest products from Peter of iLuv.

The DreamTraveler is combined iPhone dock, USB charger and mains power strip squared aimed at those unfortunate souls who have to spend time in poorly equipped hotel rooms. It has two USB charging ports, three power outlets and an Apple connector for charging iPhones, iPods and iPads.

For the international traveller, iLuv has the RockWall, a dual USB charger that comes with the right mains plugs for different countries round the world.

Finally, the Mo’Beats is a portable tablet or smartphone cradle with Bluetooth wireless speakers that has a built-in lithium-ion battery which will run for about 4 hours.

All the products will be available in April or May. The Mo’Beats SRP is expected to be $89.99 but the website is currently showing $99.99. I think Peter gets his prices mixed up in the video as the RockWall is priced at $49.99 on the website and the DreamTraveler is $129.99.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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The Zagg Sparq Portable Power at CES



Zagg LogoZagg’s protective films are popular “first purchases” for new smartphone owners and but Zagg offer other products in the mobile working space. Todd chats to Nate from Zagg to about the Zagg Sparq, a portable rechargeable battery pack.

The Sparq is mains charged, with two front-facing USB ports to recharge any  portable device with a USB-type connector. The internal battery has sufficient capacity to recharge four times the average smartphone. Perfect for when you’re on the road.

Available now for $99.99 from Zagg online with free shipping.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Ebook Light and iPad Stand Reviews



Over the Memorial weekend, I purchased a couple of accessories for both my Kindle and my iPad. Neither are complicated enough for a full post, so I thought I would review both within a single post. The first is a eBook light from Belkin, the second is the Mini-Stand for the iPad from Targus.

I was looking for an e-book light that wouldn’t cost me an arm and leg but was fairly sturdy. I finally decided on the eBook light from Belkin. It works, but I am not sure it is going to be the last e-book light I purchase.

Ebook Light

I was a little annoyed when I realized that it required three AAA batteries and none were provided. This is a pet peeve of mine, if you sell a product that requires batteries, either provide the batteries or clearly state no batteries provided. According to the Target site the package should have included batteries, so I double checked the box and there were no batteries. So I spent 10 minutes try to find batteries to test the light. The second more long-term problem is that when you clip the light to the Kindle it is not tight at the bottom of the clip. Because of the arm it is a little top-heavy, so the bottom pulls away slightly, this is something I may or may not get use to. I do like that the arm is adjustable in all directions. The light is bright enough even at the lower level that reading on the Kindle even with the room light off is quite enjoyable.

Mini-stand for the iPad

The second accessory was a stand for my iPad. I was again looking for something simple, not too expensive and easy to carry. I found the Targus mini-stand at Walmart and so far I am very happy with it. It is a simple clear block of hard plastic. There are spaces at both end where you can place the iPad. The angle of the iPad will depend on which end you choose. You can place the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode in the stand. It does not work if you have a cover on the iPad. The stand is about as thick as two original iPads, but not too heavy. I like that it is really simple with no parts that can break and easy to carry. Also at less than $15.00 the price was right. If you are looking for something fairly inexpensive that works, the Mini-stand from Targus is a good choice. An added bonus is it works well with the iPhone too.


Tabgrip Making it Easier to Hold on to Your iPad



Tabgrip is a device that secures to the iPad and provides a grip on all four sides. There are also legs that come out of all for grips so you can lean it how you want in both portrait and landscape mode. It makes it easier to pass the iPad and helps to keep fingerprints off the surface as you are passing it. It protects the iPad’s sides and back, while still keeping the iPad light. The iPad can still lay flat, but be suspended above the surface. It’s $50.00 but can be found on sale at both the Web site and on Amazon for as low as $35.00. Great for both home and business.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News.

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Camtrol Customizable Camera Grips



Camtrol helps you hold your camcorder or DSLR steady to give you better pictures and video. It is highly adjustable so you can have it on shoulder and with a turn of a knob be carrying it below your waist. Carrying a camcord at the waist is not easy. Without Camtrol you have to hold the camera up which is quickly tiring. Gravity is working against you. Camtrol spreads the weight out making it less tiring to shoot for a long time. It is light only 1lb 7oz and folds up so that you can easily carry it with you. There are a number of different accessories which you can add to make it even more customizable. The control grip is padded making it more comfortable to hold. It also has four legs which you can unfold to make a great tabletop tripod.

There were two models shown the Prime which is $399.00 and the Moose which is $800.00. There is also an accessory made specifically for the iPhone and Ipad. With this device your Iphone can be used to film a great and stable video, or you can use it as a stand for your Ipad. It works with multiple brands of cameras including Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and more. Camtrol can handle a camera and lens combination up to 7 lbs. It is great whether you are left or right handed. If you are interested in raising your level as a film maker then take a look at Camtrol.

Interview by Tom Newman of The Fogview Podcast.

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