Accessories

iPhone 6 cases: a look at OtterBox’s lineup

Jim Gresham ∙ September 27, 2014

For more than a decade, Apple users have entrusted their precious devices to OtterBox. The company has established itself within the smartphone community as the go-to source for ultimate protection. One of the first to market with extremely high protective capability, it seems other case makers are still trying to play catchup.

iPhone 6 launched last week and so did OtterBox' protective series. Making sure iPhone owners do not leave their new devices open for damage, OtterBox debuted four complete protective case solutions and two screen protectors. Inside, we take a deeper look at the line up.

Orcas Bluetooth earbuds are designed for an active lifestyle

Jim Gresham ∙ September 21, 2014

You are pumping iron at the gym. You are training for the half marathon. You are cooking in the kitchen. You are commuting on the train. You are listening to Let's Talk iOS on the couch. All of these scenarios, have you tethered to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with a corded headset. Nothing is more annoying than ripping your iPhone off the treadmill at the gym because you accidentally caught your headphone cable while reaching for a bottle of water.

I am the guy that wraps his iPhone in a sturdy case at the gym because I just cannot seem to stop dropping it. If I had a pair of wireless headphones, all of my problems would be solved. While Bluetooth headphones have been a thing for some time, I have only stumbled across over the ear cans or giant muffs. No one wants to use a giant pair of headphones while doing a physical activity except people who love their Beats. Take a step inside to read about the Orcas Bluetooth earbuds, my new favorite pair of activity minded buds that were sent over by Outdoor Tech.

iPhone 6 cases: a look at Spigen’s line up

Jim Gresham ∙ September 18, 2014

We are all anxiously waiting for the iPhone 6 launch on Friday, September 19. While some have been lined up for weeks, others constantly refresh their browsers in hopes of seeing their precious pre-ordered device move from one state to another. Currently, most people are simply worried about getting iPhone 6 into their little hands.

Others also worry about keeping their iPhone protected from the moment it leaves the Apple cocoon. Personally, I am an Apple nudist, but with a penchant for perfection, I hate to see a scratch on my iPhone. Additionally, the rising cost of Apple's device with the iPhone Plus may also cause some additional interest in keeping the device shielded. Over the weekend, I put together an early iPhone 6 case round up but it appears Spigen hosts one of the largest order-ready inventories. Inside we take a look of all the cases they have to offer.

Prevent fraying cables with AwesomeCables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

We spent several Let's Talk iOS episodes chatting about fraying cables. Many people suffer from OEM Lightning cables that over time fray near the tip. Arguably, this happens from bending, flexing, and tugging on the cable. Personally, like Cody, I have never experienced this problem. However, most of my cables remain in place, whether in the office, kitchen or car, I do not tote them around. Also, I am careful to pull them from the pin head, as opposed to using the wire as my tugging point.

Here to resolve several issues, including the fray, is AwesomeCables. The newly released 6' Braided Cable showed up for review, thanks to their offer. I am a big fan of the build quality and, most importantly, MFi certification.

Early iPhone 6 case roundup

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

With the actual product launch behind us, we can turn to the accessory realm. Dedicated devices have been in production behind the scenes and I received information about a few select versions about a week ago. The cases in the post are either going on sale today or by week's end. Either way, the purchasing link is included below the case description.

Keep in mind, early production cases sometimes are not built on actual dimensions, instead using dummy devices that leak from the Chinese supply chain. Having never held any of these in my hands, or even an iPhone 6 for that matter, I cannot guarantee exact fit. However, if you are looking to keep your iPhone protected from day 1, you may want to nab one of these guys.

Hands on with Truffol’s reversible USB Lightning cables

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

There have been a lot of rumors going around about Apple's alleged reversible cable. Most recently, reports are saying no such cable will be included with September's iPhone 6 launch. It is shocking reversible USB cables are not already in mass production. After all, the technology is quite old. Only since the reversible cable was linked with Apple, has there been such a firestorm.

Last week, we posted an article about accessory maker Truffol debuting a reversible cable, available for purchase immediately. I was able to get my hands on a pair of cables from the manufacturer and am quite pleased with their build quality!

Twelve South’s HoverBar 3 expands compatibility to work with any iPad

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Way back in September of 2012, I wrote a fairly lengthy review of the HoverBar by Twelve South. The device is a mounting mechanism for iPad. It is not a new contender to the mountable space, certainly not two years later, but it is a well designed product. Twelve South, a South Carolina based company, limits their product development to a low number each year, ensuring proper care is spent on each device they launch.

The HoverBar 3 is an intentional upgrade on the previous generation. The 22" arm extends from a bi-directional assembly that screws into a metal clamp. Overall, the design and assembly is almost exactly the same. Where the new generation differs is the compatibility for iPad 2nd - 4th generation, iPad Air, and both versions of iPad mini.

The SmartStyle case gives a notebook feel to your iPad Air

Jim Gresham ∙ September 1, 2014

X-Doria is a relatively new comer to the Apple accessory arena. While they have been around for a couple years, they are still making a name for themselves. One of their key product features is a puffing ink that raises as it is heated in the production process. Almost any design you see in their product lineup, utilizes the 3D puffing ink, making it standout among other simply screen-printed competitors. The ink provides tactile feedback, offering an easier to handle case and a good looking stark color pattern.

The SmartStyle Patterns for iPad Air gets its name from the stylized printed patter and the Smart Cover technology. Using exactly placed magnets, SmartStyle behaves similarly to an Apple Smart Cover, waking or sleeping iPad as the cover is either opened or closed.

The Tylt Ruggd case is built for style and damage protection

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

If you are prone to dropping, abusing, and misusing your iPad Air, hopefully you are shopping around for a solid case. You are going to need something with a shockproof design, corner protection, rubberized absorbing base layer, and a little bit of flexibility. All of those features are built neatly into the TYLT RUGGD iPad Air case.

Making no bones about design, the RUGGD forgoes any eye candy design and goes straight for protection. With bulky corner cushioning and what appear to be four leg-like bumpers on the back, RUGGD should have you safe and sound, unless you drop it face down.

Kick your laptop up a notch with Kickflip

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

There are times when typing at a flat angle is uncomfortable. It is most noticeable when using my MacBook Air 13". All of the keyboards I use, including Apple's standard wireless keyboard, are angled for ease-of-use. Contrary to standard keyboards, Apples laptop line sits flat on the resting surface.

Asking to "kick it up a notch," Bluelounge released the Kickflip just a few weeks ago. Hoping to increase productivity and ease everyone's wrists, the Kickflip does just as the name suggests: props your laptop with just a flip.

Share one Bluetooth keyboard between multiple devices with the Multi-Sync Keyboard

Jim Gresham ∙ August 30, 2014

Have you ever used a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad? Sure, you have! All serious iPad users have, at one time, tried to use a Bluetooth keyboard with their favorite tablet. I tried to use an external keyboard on several occasions with my iPad, not just for reviews either.

The same can be said for iPhone. In fact, at one time I was searching mini Bluetooth keyboards to keep on my desk, just to make iMessaging easier. That was before my OS X days. During the course of any day, I almost always keep my iPhone and iPad in a dock or stand next to my computer. Being a user of multi-devices, there are certain tasks I like to accomplish on each device.

Complicating my movement from device to device in a serious work environment is input. Typing on an iPhone or iPad's virtual keyboard is not the best experience, and that is coming from a fanboy. What would be perfect, is a wireless keyboard that operates either devices without the hassle of re-pairing each time. What would be perfect is the Kanex Multi-Sync Keyboard.

Incipio Lexington folio gives professional flare to your iPad Air

Jim Gresham ∙ August 28, 2014

iPad Air cases abound, as is expected with any Apple product. Flooded markets of parts, pieces, cases, and accessories define the smart device realm. Incipio being a standard in the Apple accessory market is always quick to offer several solutions for all devices. Today, we take a closer look at the Lexington hard shell folio case. The Lexington is a rigid case that will keep you protected just about anywhere, but still look classy in the office. The rigid Plextonium back offers necessary support, but keeps things minimal and crisp.