Best Cases with Stands
January 4th, 2009 by iPhoneTechZone
iPod Touch is a fragile device for a clumsy young kid to handle, so when I got my son an iTouch, the first thing I did was to order an iPod Touch case. When I did my research, I looked for non-slippery cases with stands so that we can easily use his iPod Touch and my iPhone as video players without holding it.
We bought an iPhone case that fits both to his iTouch and my iPhone. Even though it does the job for us, the case is for iPhone so it does not fit snugly to iPod Touch and the stand part comes off too easily. I believe there are some comparable or even better cases available, for both iPhone and iTouch. Here I review some of the ones that I found recently. Note that most of the time the stand can double as a belt clip. Also when buying cases with stands, make sure that the stand allows iPod to be in the horizontal position. This is useful when watching movies.
iPhone 3G Cases with Stand
1. Eforcity Apple iPhone 3G Black Aluminum Metal Case with Belt Clip & Stand
Price: $5.56
Aluminum case with removable swivel belt-clip for carrying or for using as a stand. Manufacturer states that the device is fully functional while in the case, i.e. all the buttons are available.
2. Silicone Skin Case (Clear and Pink)
Price: $13.99
This is the silicone case we own. It comes in a 2 pack, pink and clear. The pink one does not look good, we only use the clear one. There are not cut-outs for all the buttons but you can operate them by pressing on the case. It fits nicely on iPhone and loosely on iTouch, but works for us.
3. Blue Premium Leather Case with Removable Video Stand
Price: $19.99
This leather case on the expensive side and pretty baby blue color. It has removable belt clip that doubles as a video stand.
I am still looking for good cases with stands and kid-friendly playful designs. No luck so far. If you know any, or if you have suggestions, other iPhone cases with stands that you own and like, please drop me a note.
iPod Touch 2nd Generation Cases with Stand
1. Aluminum Carrying Case with Belt Clip Video Stand
Price: $9.85
This case comes in very cool, kid-friendly colors. In the Amazon website reviewers indicated that there is no cut-out for external audio volume button in this iTouch case, so you can change the volume only using the screen controls.
2. Eforcity Silver Hard Aluminum Case w/ Stand
Price: $5.99
This case is made of hard plastic and features removable swivel belt-clip which allows you to put the iPod in both horizontal and vertical positions.
3. Sena Premium Stand Case for iPod Touch 2G
Price: $39.95
I am not fond of leather cases, but I included a few here for readers who prefer them. This is a genuine leather with snap closure and padding for extra protection. The cover doubles as stand to watch movies.
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Docking Station for iPhone Suggestion list for Xmas
November 25th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
One of the items on my Christmas list this season is a docking station to keep my iPhone 3G upright. There are a few reasons why I want to do this. #1 - My iPhone deserves to be SEEN! #2 - I’m always of afraid of dropping something on it from above: my coffee cup, book, what have you. #3 - It’s so much easier not to have to plug, unplug, and re-hook and finally #4 - Sounds, man. If I buy an iPhone 3G docking station that’s also got a built-in amp and speakers, than I can rock away at the same time.
These iPhone 3G docking stations are on the shortlist that I’m giving to my wife.
Tunepro Stereo Alarm Clock Radio
This cool clock radio won the iLounge best of show for 2008. It is sleek, black finish that has speakers that give a wide dispersion of sound. It uses the latest in flat panel speaker technology and SRS WOW system. This makes it look sleek, but also puts out really deep surround sound for flat speakers.
In addition to playing your iPhone it also charges it as well. The clock is radically cool, displaying through the front mirror screen. It acts as a clock radio, giving you the ability to wake up to either your iPhone or the clock radio.
Macally Flextune Portable Stereo
Not as elegant as the Tunepro, but portable and less expensive. The thing I like about the Macally is that it’s a portable music machine that runs on both batteries and AC power. Your iPhone can also be turned horizontally to watch movie or Youtube videos!
Of course, while your iPhone is in the unit, it will be charging, as well. It will not have as rich a sound as the Tunepro, but for half the price it’s a very useful docking station.
Simplifi iPhone 3G Dock
If you’ve already got a stereo and your just looking for a simple docking station, this handy little unit is pretty nice. It’s a simple docking station that charges and syncs your iPhone 3G. But, in addition to that, it all accepts digital media cards such as compact flash and secure digital.
In addition it is a 2-port USB hub, which is powered by an included AC adapater.
This is the list that I’ll be giving “Santa”. Let’s hope she knows which one to pick.
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Docking iPhone Projector
November 24th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
Honlai-Chinese has introduce this new projector concept. They called it iPhone Projector. It has an iPod dock on its top. Very unique, if we ever find wireless projector that can be connected with PC, mobile phone or other multimedia device, this projector could view image/picture from your iPod through the iPod dock. iPhone projector is designed of a 0.44” panel and a 5W led lamp. It able to produce a true 640:480 resolution along with a set of 2W stereo speakers for video capability from your iPhone.
Specifications:
- Method of projection: LCoS
- Panel Size: 0.44″
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Focus: Manual
- Lamp source: LED (3W)
- Lamp life: over 20,000 hrs
- Brightness: ANSI / 10-15 lumens
- Contrat ratio: 200 : 1
- Resolution: 640*480 Pixels (VGA)
- Scree size: 15″ ~ 37″ (50cm ~ 1.5M)
- Video signal: iPhone / iPod touch Composite Video (AV in) / Composite Video
- Speaker: 2W Stereo
- Video Signal: iPhone / iPod touch Composite Video (AV in) / Composite Video
- Color reproduction: Full 16.7 Million Colors
- Power source: DC 5V,2.5A,AC 100~240V 50~60Hz
- Dimension: 76*102*54 mm(L*W*H)
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Incase Power Slider for iPhone 3G Doubles battery life
November 24th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
Now that the 3G iPhone has been out for 6 months the early concerns of a short battery life have proven to be real. Nearly everyone I talk with tell me they can’t get through the day without having to recharge their phone.
Well the Power Slider by Incase promises to double your phone’s power for up to 5 hours talk time on the 3G network (10 hours on 2G), increase your audio playback time to 26 hours, and increase your video playback time to 7 hours. If that wasn’t enough, the iPhone can be left in the case while you sync it saving wear and tear on the case and on your phone. This product looks like one of their slider cases that’s a little fatter than most.
The Power Slider from Incase is sold for $99 and available starting November 28.
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QuattroPower SmartCase for the iPhone 3G
November 19th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
We’ve seen countless models of iPhone cases that feature built-in batteries but iyskin has just announced the first one to have it’s own glass screen protection and removable battery named the Quattro Power.
After witnessing the phenomenal success of its Touch-Thru cases, ivyskin anticipated growing demand for SmartCase that would offer consumers their favorite ivyskin case packaged with an internal battery. With the QuattroPower cases, iPhone enthusiasts at every level can enjoy a premium protection with an added 200% of battery life to their iPhone 3G.
With Apple offering the first true medium, audiences from casual users to musicphiles, moviephiles and constantly-connected business users can get it all from one device. They want the same from accessories - one high-performance, bundled accessory that maximizes everything their device offers - and this is exactly what ivyskin is delivering with its new Quattro line.
QuattroPower SmartCase Features:
The QuattroPower sends a signal to the iPhone to drain its power first before using the iPhone’s battery. This advanced power distribution system, enables the iPhone to receive an additional 200% battery life
6 light LED battery status indicator
The QuattroPower case can be charged without removing the case, it includes a USB cable and a power charger
QuattroPower has a full rechargeable lithium polymer battery embedded into the Quattro case that provides a non-slip, soft grip case
Polycarbonate hard shell case with Polysilicon coating provides a protection that is secound to none in the market today
Features:
- Standby Time - Up to 350 hours
- Talk Time - Up to 6 hours on 3G | Up to 12 hours on 2G
- Internet Use - Up to 6 hours on 3G | Up to 7 hours on Wi-Fi
- Audio Playback - Up to 28 hours
- Video Playback - Up to 8 hours
Pricing and Availability
Just in time for Christams on the 22nd of December for $99.99
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Logic3 i-Station Rotate dock speaker for iPhone
November 14th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
This is one of the new and innovative gadgets for your iPhone. The i-Station Rotate Dock from Logic3. The iPhone docking speaker set has had the good idea to include a rotation mechanism, so you can plug it in either horizontally or in landscape mode.
The i-Station Rotate Dock is very compact and practical in size so it’s perfect for your travelling. Additonally it features TDMA noise suppresion, Stereo line-in, Video Out, remote control and a carrying case.
Features:
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High performance speaker system for iPhone & iPod.
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10 Watts RMS power output
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Rotating dock to view films, podcasts and music videos from iPhone & iPod.
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Composite Video Output for connecting to TV
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Remote Control to operate Speaker & simple functions of iPod.
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Operates using an AC Adaptor (Included) or 4 x AA Batteries
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Stereo Line-in Cable for playing other audio devices including iPod shuffle, MP3, or CD players.
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Volume level display on screen of iPod & low battery indicator system.
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Power efficient Class D amplifier for improved performance
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Dimension (H x W x D) 120mm x 315mm x 50mm
The i-Station Rotate Dock is sold for 80 GBP or ± $120.
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Richard|Solo 1800: External 1800 mAh Battery pack for iPhone
November 11th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
The iPhone is truly the first smartphone to have impressed me but one thing it fell short on is it’s battery life. Heavy users just can’t get enough charge to last the day making external battery packs one of the most sough after accessories for the iPhone.
Richard|Solo has come with a updated version of their battery pack previously called Smart Backup Battery for iPhone and now renamed Richard|Solo 1800. Now coming with a beefed up 1800 mAh capacity this should add 50% more charge than with the previous model.
This kit also comes with a 110-240 volt AC Wall charger, dual-USB car charger and a retractable USB cable. Truly versatile you can charge either just simply plug it in the the wall, in your car, on your computer and can charge them both at the same time.
Features Overview
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and all other iPod devices except shuffle (Note: If your iPod touch or iPod nano has the earphone jack right next to the battery connector, you can not use the earphone jack while you are charging the iPod.) Works great with the 3G iPhone.
- Gives you more than double the battery time
- Small and lightweight for pocket, purse or briefcase
- High-quality plastic case is light and durable
- Snaps on to iPhone / iPod instantly — no bulky cable
- Latching mechanism securely attaches to iPhone
- Included support brace to provide solid feel in the hand. Works perfectly with our Contour Case.
- Ultra-bright LED white flashlight built-in, with lock switch
- Red laser pointer built-in, with lock switch
- Fits easily to any iPhone case (without support brace in use)
- Environmentally sensitive packaging
- Begins to charge your Apple device immediately
- Complete kit includes USB retractable charging cable, dual USB port car charger, and USA AC adapter [110-240V] wall charger (works with any international plug adapter s)
- USB retractable cable connects Smart Backup Battery directly to computer’s USB port, car charger, or AC wall adapter for convenient charging
- Charge the Smart Backup Battery and iPhone / iPod together [the iPhone / iPod will charge first and then the backup battery — the next morning both are completely charged]
- Lithium-ion technology does not develop “memory” so you can charge often
- Smart, automatic on/off charging technology protects the battery from overcharging
- Advanced circuitry keeps battery cool to touch
- Blue, green, red LEDs indicate charging status
- 90-day warranty from RichardSolo.com
Technical Specifications
- 1800mAh polymerized lithium-ion battery
- Richard Solo Battery itself is charged to 100% in about 5 hours or less
- Output: DC 5V +/- 0.25V
- Output current: 500mA
- Battery weighs: 2.3 oz. [67.6 gm]
- Battery measures: 2″ x 7/16″ x 4 3/8″ [5.3 x 1.3 x 11.2 cm]
- Extended cable measures: 29″ [73 cm]
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World’s 1st iPhone Wireless Audio Bluetooth Dongle
October 20th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
2Moo has just released the 1st A2DP iPod iPhone Wireless Audio Bluetooth Dongle with independent volume controls. The BD-906 as it’s called is connected and powered by any iPhone or iPod model that has the 30-pin connector dock. This means the latest generation iPhone 3G, the iPod nano 4G, iPod touch 2G and the classic 2G.
iPhone and iPod owners now are finally able to enjoy wireless audio with this small and simple A2DP Wireless Audio Bluetooth Dongle.
Once you connect the BD-906 Bluetooth Dongle to your device, not only will this enable the wireless audio streaming but also theAudio/Video Remote Control which allows remote playback control.
The BD-906 is shipped with a Mini USB charge cable and a car charger for a limited time.
Features
• Simply connects to dock connector of the iPod or iPhone
• Powered by the iPod or iPhone
• Compatible with ALL iPod models with dock connectors
• Compatible with the iPhone and iPhone 3G
• High quality sound reproduction
• Versatile auto-pairing with passkeys 0000, 1234 or 8888
• Independant volume controls
• USB pass-through for charging iPod/iPhone
• Compliant with Bluetooth V2.0
• Support A2DP and AVRCP
Specifications
• Operating Frequency Band 2.4GHz ~ 2.48GHz unlicensed ISM band
• Bluetooth Specification V2.0
• Output Power Class CSR BC5 class 2(under 4dBm)
• Operation Temperature 0 to + 60 degree
• Storage Temperature -10 to + 70 degree
• Transmission power consumption 46mA
• Built in pairing code “0000″, “1234″, “8888″
• Humidity 5~90% (non-condensing)
• Weight 15g
Price is set at $69 USD and is available immediately worldwide.
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OZAKI IP858 iMini Timber 3G iPhone Speaker
October 19th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
OZAKI is about to release a cool little cube shaped portable alarm clock/speaker set/dock for the iPhone and iPod. What makes this model different than the others is it’s USB connection that can be used to sync up with your computer. Available in two colors: Black & White.
Features:
Play the music and charge your iPhone/iPod touch from docking station
Back-lighted LCD display for FM radio and alarm clock
Support for iPhone and all iPod nano/touch with dock connector
Dual Alarm: wake to iPhone, iPod nano/touch FM or buzzers
Wooden made sound power and stylish mirror coating casing
Specs:
2″x2″ full-range speaker driver for peak power 4w~6w
Just 590g weight(excluded the batteries)
Carry it by 110mm Wide, 113mm High, 115mm Deep
FM Frequency: 88MHz~108MHz
Packing Szie: W205*H173*D140mm
IP858 - iPhone & iPod Version
IP835- iPod version
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JBL On Stage IIIP iPhone Dock and Speakers
October 16th, 2008 by iPhoneTechZone
We’ve had a soft spot for the JBL On Stage iPhone dock for a while. It sounds great, doesn’t cost the earth, and now there’s a new one!
Dubbed the JBL On Stage IIIP, and similar in looks to previous models, the new version is iPhone and iPhone compatible. There’s a sleek infra-red remote to control it from across the room, and it’ll suck up power from batteries or the included mains adapter.
Plonk it next to a computer, and it’ll also hook up via USB so you can sync your iPhone or iPhone through it too.
Non-Apple MP3 players can also be plugged in usig its 3.5mm jack. Sure, the speaker’s not going to give anyone earache at 6 watts, but it’s a neat package, with all the bells and whistles you could need, at a reasonable price.
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