TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPod

If there's anything I've learned about the iPhone 3G since July 11th, it's that the battery life is horrible. If I'm just texting and making the occasional call, I can survive for a day, but if I try to play games or use 3G I know it's going to go to the dreaded red battery icon quickly.That's why there are a growing number of manufacturers who have extended battery packs for the iPhone on the market. For example, I looked at the Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger (US$49.99), but the website doesn't show that it works with the iPhone 3G. My next choice was the Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery. This US$49.95 lithium-ion battery pack has saved me from running out of juice prematurely more than once! Read on for more information about this must-have sidekick for the iPhone 3G.Continue reading TUAW Review: Richard | Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone / iPodRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Appletell Review: iPhone headphone accessories from Griffin and JAVOedge

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, Features, Review, OriginalsAt the WWDC Keynote, Steve Jobs drew heavy applause when he announced the iPhone 3G headphone jack will be flush, not recessed as on the current iPhone. As I stated in our coverage, the response clearly illustrated just how passionate iPhone users can be, and how boneheaded Apple’s design team can be. But, surely no one will upgrade to the iPhone 3G just to get a flush headphone jack, right? Right?! Of course, not. At least, not as long as we’re also still dealing with Apple’s external microphone being placed on those horrid earbud headphones. Thankfully, Griffin and JAVOedge are here with their Headphone Adapter for iPhone and Handsfree Stereo Headset Adapter, respectively. This is good because, considering the new iPhone purchase policy, it may be quite some time before I’ll own an iPhone that allows me to use my headphones of choice. Griffin’s Headphone Adapter for iPhone ($9.99) is simply a little device that fits into the iPhone headphone jack, and then provides a flush jack of its own at the end of a small cable into which you can fit any 1/8” stereo mini-jack. It’s convenient, it does the job, and it’s fairly cheap. The thin housing also allows the adapter to slip through any case you may have on your iPhone, which makes it handy for most iPods, as well. Many iPod cases don’t take wide headphone jacks into account, but the Headphone Adapter for iPhone will make any pair of headphones compatible with whatever device you happen to be using. Even if you do upgrade to the iPhone 3G, your case of choice may still require a device such as this in order for you to continue using your favorite headphones. And speaking of headphones, I absolutely can’t stand the earbud headphones Apple includes with their iPods and iPhone. Aside from the fact that the sound is mediocre at best, I apparently have some kind of mutant ear that won’t hold the headphones in place. However, Apple’s earbuds are necessary to make use of one of the iPhone’s coolest features—the ability to pause your music when a call comes in and use the headphone/microphone combo to take the call, thereby allowing you to leave the iPhone in your armband or pocket or wherever it is. My headphones of choice don’t have a microphone, so taking calls means unplugging the headphones, grabbing the phone, and stopping whatever activity in which I’m engaged. This time, it’s JAVOedge to the rescue with the Handsfree Stereo Headset Adapter ($12.95). This cable provides the ability to interrupt your music to take phone calls, but with whatever set of headphones you choose. Simply plug the Headset Adapter into your iPhone (and yes, the adapter does fit into the iPhone’s recessed jack), plug your headphones into the 1/8” mini-jack, and you’re all set. You now get the complete functionality of the iPhone’s call inerrupt feature without having to deal with the earbud headphones. If a call comes in, just press the button on the microphone, and you’re connected. Even better, the Handsfree Stereo Headset Adapter includes a mic clip, so you can attach the microphone to your clothing for proper placement. When clipped at the top of my shirt, the Headset Adapter provided just enough cable to reach my iPhone attached to my belt or in my pocket. This is good in that there’s not a lot of loose cable flowing about, bad in that if I caught it on something, it would rip my headphones off my head. And consider that because the headphone jack is above the microphone and clip, I’m now plugging in my actual headphones just under my chin. Even if your headphone cable is only three feet long, that’s still going to be over two feet of useless cable dangling about your shoulders. So, a couple minor gripes aside, the Handsfree Stereo Headset Adapter is a fantastic deal at only $12.95. It frees you from Apple’s earbud headphones, the mic does a good job of picking up your voice, and it finally allows you to use the iPhone without having to actually hold it. If you want to take calls while exercising or being active in any way, you should really check this out. In fact, you should check both out. If the need is there for either, the price is pretty much right for both (the Headphone Adapter for iPhone gets docked a point for being a tick too high), and each does its job very well. Rating: Griffin Headphone Adapter for iPhone - 7/10 JAVOedge Handsfree Stereo Headset Adapter - 8/10 Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

The iPhone 3G and accessories: some speculation

Does a new iPhone mean all your current iPhone accessories are obsolete? Unlikely. Here's a first look at what we think will work, and not work, with Apple's latest phone.

Review: Speck ToughSkin for iPhone 3G

I remember the first time I dropped my 1st generation iPhone. I was getting out of the car and the phone hit the driveway (with no case) and received a very noticeable (to me, anyway) scratch on the corner bezel. Heartbroken, that night I began searching the web for the ultimate, shock-proof iPhone case, and [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Review: Speck ToughSkin for iPhone 3G", url: "http://macenstein.com/default/archives/1688" });

Review: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone

I have a tendency to be a bit long-winded in my reviews, so I am rather excited to be reviewing the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone, an accessory so simple, even I can’t go on too long (I think). The Juice Pack is essentially an extra battery pack for your iPhone which promises to drastically [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Review: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone", url: "http://macenstein.com/default/archives/1314" });

iPhone 3G cases and accessories from Griffin

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories Griffin Technology, maker of all things iPod and iPhone, has announced the general availability of its protective cases and other accessories for the iPhone 3G. Griffin’s case offerings for iPhone 3G include Wave, Nu Form, Elan Form, Elan Clip, and Streamline. Other accessories available for iPhone 3G include TuneBuds, TuneBuds Mobile, SmartTalk and an array of connector cables. Wave for iPhone 3G - Wave for iPhone 3G features wave-shaped contours that overlap and interlock. The double-helix closure provides greater surface area to hold the case together, providing greater security and protection. Wave allows full access to the iPhone audio jack, volume controls, connectors and touchscreen. The form-fitting case protects with durable polycarbonate at all corners and is available in four interchangeable colors: black, blue, pink, or white. Nu Form with EasyDock for iPhone 3G - Nu Form is an impact-resistant, hard-shell case that protects the iPhone 3G in a slim, no-clip design. It includes a rigid, thin screen protector that guards against smudges, scratches and fingerprints, but doesn’t interfere with access to the touchscreen. Its EasyDock design makes Nu Form convenient to charge and is available in black or white. Elan Form with EasyDock for iPhone 3G - Elan Form is a hard-shell leather case that snaps snugly around the iPhone 3G and offers triple protection in a slim, no-clip design. It bonds top-grain leather to hard-shell polycarbonate material, encasing the iPhone in two layers of stylish protection. This new revision of Elan Form incorporates Griffin’s EasyDock design, allowing users to conveniently dock their iPhone without completely removing the case. Elan Form with EasyDock is available in pink or black. Elan Clip for iPhone 3G - Elan Clip is an elegant, genuine leather outer case wrapped around a durable polycarbonate shell. It features a belt clip that rotates 180 degrees so you can check your iPhone 3G without taking it off your belt. The clip also locks into an extended position so you can use it as a stand while watching movies. It can be used two ways: carry your iPhone face-in for maximum privacy and protection, or face-out for maximum convenience and access. Elan Clip comes with a static peel screen protector and a premium microfiber cleaning cloth. TuneBuds and TuneBuds Mobile - TuneBuds and TuneBuds Mobile offer great sound for iPhone 3G with crisp clear highs and powerful, deep bass. They fit the ear snugly with a selection of bud sizes and conform to the ear for maximum comfort. TuneBuds Mobile features a cord made of nylon braiding for strength, good looks and durability and offers Griffin’s new ControlMic, a high-sensitivity microphone and control module, which allows for total iPhone control for both iPod and voice call functionality. StereoConnect - StereoConnect is a simple, one-cable solution for iPod, iPhone, MP3 players and other devices that allows you to connect your iPhone 3G to a home entertainment system. It works with standard 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo-mini headphone or audio-out jacks. In addition, Griffin is also complementing the iPhone 3G experience with Elan Holster, Streamline, SmartTalk and SmartShare, as well as new apps for download such as its video poker game, 5 Card Touch. Images and prices are available at griffintechnology.com. Product [Griffin iPhone 3G Accessories] Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »