Accessories

Cover your iPad with a professionally stylish felt sleeve

Jim Gresham ∙ December 6, 2014

Living a conflicted life, I am an iPhone nudist but also a hardware reviewer for iDB. As you can imagine, the struggle comes when reviewing accessories that cause the user to obfuscate the design and detail of an Apple iOS device with unnecessary appendages. I do not like bulky cases, even if their primary function is protection. I do not even like screen protectors because it stands between my finger and the glass.

When Inatek approached me about a sleeve, I jumped at the option. Sleeves are one of my favorite accessory genres because they allow the device to be used naked, while still providing protection for travel and day-to-day carry. The Inatek TPB-IM sleeve fits the bill.

Perfectly cradle iPhone in leather with Nodus Access case

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It is rare to find a case I adore. Most of my hesitation stems from being an iPhone nudist, which I mention in most of my articles. Further complicating matters is my disdain for overly complicated designs or cases that interfere with the look and feel of iOS devices.

Many case companies get most things right. The protection level is perfect or the look and feel is spot on. Everyone does their thing. However, running into my third year of accessory reviews, most of the marketed cases are boring to me. In fact, my hardware review articles are quite infrequent due to the lack of truly new cases. Many companies are in their third or fourth iteration of the exact same case, merely updated for the newest iPhone form factor.

Standing in stark contrast to the mundane daily cases, Nodus introduced me to their Access collection. Even before holding the product, I thought to myself, here is a company that is doing it all exactly right. Shortly thereafter, I pillaged my mailbox looking for the iPhone 6 Plus Access case.

Declutter your life with the NeatConnect cloud scanner

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

In a recent attempt to go paperless, inspired by our own Jeff Benjamin, I began the search for a solid document scanner about this time last year. Thankfully, December is the month before CES and I hunted for a solution at the world's largest end-user computer conference.

Finding the right scanner was not particularly important, because I had no idea what should accompany a scanner purchase. What features does one need when it comes to scanning? Other than using primitive scanners back in college or a full blown office scanner, there is no personal benchmark for home-use that I could rely upon. In my quest through confusion, I stumbled upon the Neat team members, who promised a scanning option that did not require tethering to a computer. The NeatConnect is a powerful desktop tool without the requirement of annoying USB cables.

The MOTO TC is a fun iPhone controlled rally race car

Jim Gresham ∙ October 6, 2014

If you are ready to hit the pavement, I suggest grabbing the Griffin MOTO TC Rally iPhone controlled toy car. That's right, no additional hardware is required, just your iPhone and the Bluetooth 4.0 controlled race car. As a child, teenager, and even as an adult, one of the biggest rushes in the toy world is remote controlling a toy car. Growing up, I used to make race tracks in the pine needles behind my parent's house. Not much has changed.

Bringing my childhood excitement in line with the 21st century, the MOTO TC is not only iPhone controlled, but also utilizes virtual damage control, weapon systems, and can monitor lap times. It is essentially like playing a console racing game, but with actual hardware.

The Truffol DuraSound offers big sound with small footprint

Jim Gresham ∙ October 3, 2014

There is an assortment of Bluetooth speakers on the market and almost any accessory maker thinks they should enter the flooded marketplace. With that attitude, your product should bring something a little different to the crowd. Truffol's DuraSound exists somewhere between business professional and outdoor appropriate.

DuraSound has a very conservative, simple, rectangular design, with a flat matte finished front and back grill. This simple design with clean edges and finishes makes it suitable for the office. In contrast, the color-matched silicon bumper allows the device to be toted around for after hour drinks.

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.