accessories Archives

Monday, July 21, 2008 -- 11 a.m. -- on my couch

I've been trying out the new PixelSkin case from Speck for the iPhone 3G for a little more than a week now.

Let me start by saying that as someone who prefers a minimal cloth case, knowing full well that I need to take my iPhone out of the case to use it, that the case I've been testing isn't for me.

However, it's a good case if you are someone who's prone to drops and spills.

To put it on, you slide the bottom of your iPhone 3G in thru the screen cutout, then pull the top corners around to front of your phone.

How does one describe the PixelSkin? Here's what the Web site says:

"PixelSkin’s lightweight, form-fit helps protect your iPhone from bumps and scrapes, while the textured tile pattern provides a comfortable, tactile sensation in your hand and a no-slip grip. The case offers openings to all ports, controls and sensors for convenient accessibility."

100 percent true. The rubber bounces back and retains its shape. The front of the iPhone remains open, giving you access to the screen and the switches and the camera.

There's only two things that I don't like as much, regardless of what kind of case I like.

First off, if I drop it back side down, I think it might bounce. I feel like my iPhone will be incredibly sturdy and safe in that scenario. However, if I drop it face down, I think I'm in trouble. The completely open front, while providing great access, doesn't really do much to protect it.

Second, it's builky and therefore a little tough to get it to fit comfortably in my pocket. It fits, but it's not as easy to fit. While you'd think that could be said for any case, the one I use doesn't add any additional bulk to the package, however, my iPhone isn't likely to survive a fall.

So there's always trade offs.

Here's some more info from the Web site.

-- Soft-touch tiled pattern offers added comfort and grip (true true).

-- Lightweight design protects without adding bulk (sorry, but this isn't entirely true. Not a giant amount of bulk, but it adds some).

-- No fussy, smudgy screen protectors to get in your way (true, but no protection up front either)

-- Available in 7 tasty colors! (vibrant, actually -- I've got a black and white one here and I really like the colors). The full color line is Licorice Black, Spearmint Green, Sherbet Pink, Huckelberry Purple, Marshmallow White, Corncob Yellow, Blueberry Blue.

At 2.5 inches in length, 0.5 inches in width, 4.75 inches in height and 4.0 ounces in weight, the PixelSkin case for iPhone 3G is good. I just don't think it's great.

You can find all the information and decide for yourself here.

PROS: Vibrant colors, easy access to ports, strong rubbery grip holds iPhone 3G in place
CONS: A little thick, lack of protection on front of screen
RATING: 3 out of 5 iPhones

Thanks for calling.

Friday, June 20, 2008 -- 11:26 a.m. -- on my couch

I don't have one to try out yet -- well, obviously -- but I do know that Speck's PixelSkin for the iPhone 3G was announced and certainly worth a look at.

As you have read here, the back of the iPhone is plastic this time and while no one is 100 percent sure what that means for scratching, it's perhaps more important than ever that you choose a good case.

I must say, I'm impressed by the folks at Speck that name the colors. Green, red, blue ... BAHHH ... boring. Check these out ... Licorice Black, Marshmallow White, Huckleberry Purple, Sherbet Pink, Corncob Yellow and Spearmint Green.

There we go ... seriously, start with a fun bold name for the color of your product and you've made a good first impression.

According to the Speckologists, PixelSkin is a lightweight, rubberized case with a textured matte finish that provides an extra-secure grip around your new iPhone. Images of the new case can be found here.

Oh, and these are designed specifically for the iPhone 3G.

More info from Speck:
*Lightweight, form-fit design
*Slightly thicker corners for scrape protection
*Access to all ports, controls, sensors
*Front raise ridge detail protects screen while face down.

But, Scott ... how much is it? Glad you asked. $24.95, available in July.

When I can get one in my hands, I'll test it. For now, check out the photos. And know that while Apple and the carriers aren't quite ready with the goods yet, accessory outfits like Speck are.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for calling.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 -- 8 p.m. -- on my couch

It's cool to be Juicy, or so I've heard.

If it's true, then I've got good news ... Juicy Couture has an iPhone case.

It's strange to say the least with the gold chain and lock. Definitely not for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for someone.

It costs $75 at Nordstrom and is available in rose (pictured), black and chocolate.

For many people, their iPhone case is an extension of who they are. I respect that, but I would caution against your iPhone case attracting the attention. You already look cool with your iPhone. In fact, you look cooler than cool. Chances of folks noticing what's inside this case seem slim to me.

Not trying to talk it down. Just keeping it real.

Check it out here.

Thanks for calling.

Christmas Day -- 6:56 p.m. -- at my desk

Check out these interesting iPhone cases from a company I've never heard of -- AB SUTTON.

They feature iPhone cases, iPod cases, wallets and more -- with plenty of color choices and options available. Apparently, it's all made to your specifications and takes about 2 to 3 weeks to get to you.

According to the Web site, AB SUTTON is owned and operated by Anna and Jack Featherly, who started making small leather goods in 2003 when one of their friends needed an iPod case.

Take a look at the site. You might see something you like.

Thanks for calling.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 -- 3:30 p.m. -- at my desk

If you use a laptop, you know how important it is that air circulates around the machine. Therefore, most people prefer to put it on a stand or something.

There's all kinds of stands out there. I am intrigued by the iRizer, which is one of the most portable stands I've seen to date.

But for iPhone users, the most exciting part of the deal is that every iRizer includes a bonus MiniRizer. The MiniRizer is a credit-card sized version of the iRizer, that you can use as a stand for your iPod, iPhone, cell phone, even business cards.

Check it out here.
Thanks for calling.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 -- 11:28 a.m. -- on my couch

Funny thing, when I first saw this iPhone stand, I thought of the hand from the Addams Family. Not that it scared me, it just looks like a hand with fingers.

And that's probably what it is, since it's function is to hold your iPhone.

The PED3 stand rotates to hold your iPhone horizonally or vertically and it costs $40. I can't see using it every day, but perhaps on an airplane tray table? The one thing I'm concerned about is that it doesn't appear to fold up ... so carrying it could become a little bulky. But it's nice to see an accessory that fills a void in the accessory department.

The Web site says there's a version for the iPhone and for the iPod Touch. Check it out here.

Thanks for calling.

Friday, October 19, 2007 -- 12:01 p.m. -- on my couch

OK, I'm speechless. It takes a lot to make me speechless.

But, here's why. These are Phone Fingers. They are supposed to prevent smudges on your iPhone.

For me -- and many other people -- smudges are a badge of honor. The more smudges, the more use your iPhone gets. Same goes for the iPod's metallic back and the iPod Touch's screen.

But Phone Fingers are supposed to put an end to smudges. They might, but I think you'll end up hearing some serious laughter if you walk around with these.

Even the company calls it funny.

"This is probably the funniest accessory for the iPhone available! Our Phone Fingers are made for iPhone's touch screen to prevent smudges and fingerprints. With the Phone Fingers you won't have to clean your touch screen all the time and it's an eye catcher too.

So if you want protection for your iPhone smudges, you can pick up these Phone Fingers at the Web site here. I don't have any plans to test these as I'm happy with my smudgy iPhone, but if you end up buying some and want to let us know what you think, I'm all ears.

Thanks for calling. I'm still laughing.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 -- 5:10 p.m. -- at my desk

Stay tuned later in the week or early next for my review of V-MODA’s Vibe Duo headset, which is now updated and even more compatible with the iPhone.

Apple's earphones/mic combo that's included with the iPhone is certainly fine, but the Vibe Duo promises richer sound. You've probably seen them before (pictured) while at the Apple Store.

I'm going to put them through the paces and let you know how they compare to Apple's stock headphones. I listen to a lot of 80s music (I'll admit it) so I may not be the ultimate audiophile, but I know what sounds good and what doesn't. So you know you'll get the most honest opinion.

And, if there are any other accessories you'd like to see reviewed, let me know. While I can't personally promise it's possible, I always like to have a list to work off of.

Thanks for calling.

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007 -- 3:16 p.m. -- at my desk

I've been vocal about this before, and I feel the need to sound off again.

If I knew the first thing about manufacturing an iPhone accessory, I'd design a case that's slim and protects the phone and includes a pocket or hook or something for the headphones and the Bluetooth headset. Maybe the bluetooth headset has a little magnet and sticks to the case. I'm not sure.

I bought a great sleeve from waterfield designs, and I mentioned that in a past entry here. And while it's great, it still doesn't address my basic needs as far as case goes. Slim, simple and built for accessories.

I think someone could build it. And if you do, they will come.

This seems like a good time to revisit the issue ... do you have a case or do you prefer your iPhone as nature intended?

And if you have found a case -- not a bag -- a case that addresses my concerns, by all means let me know ... It's certainly possible that I overlooked it but I've been looking hard for a long time.

Thanks for callling.