Accessories

iDB holiday gift guide 2013: Lory’s picks

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

There is still two weeks until Christmas. If you order gifts online within the next few days, you probably won’t even have to pay extra for expedited shipping. If you are still trying to think of something to buy for the person who has everything, check out our holiday gift guide for ideas. Similar to last year, the writers at iDownloadBlog have compiled a list of favorite gift ideas.

Below is my list of favorites for this year. Basically, I thought of a list of things that, either I own myself and love, or hope someone reading will get for me this year (hint, hint). I’ve included gift ideas for music fans, business minded iPad users, and that special geek in your life...

Review: Armorz tempered glass skin for iPhone

Jim Gresham ∙ December 12, 2013

Screen protectors are either hit or miss. As a naked iPhone user, I use neither a case, nor a skin. There is too much room for disappointment with many iOS device skins. Consequently, I am a true iPhone nudist. I am however not opposed to giving screen protections a try for review.

Inside, I take a quick look at the Armorz Stealth Extreme Lite Tempered Glass for iPhone 5/c/s. After receiving one from Armorz, I installed it on my wife's 5c and was more impressed than originally anticipated. My wife is still currently enjoying it, even though she prefers a nude iPhone as well. There are all types of screen protection on the market, but the Armorz is my first experience with a tempered glass variety...

Keep accessories handy with the Tangle case

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated May 4, 2017

On a regular basis, I am always carrying around any number of little doodads, accessories, and other miscellany. Where should I stuff all of my small pieces of important fanfare? Usually, I will load my pockets down with all that I might need. If there is more, I carry a backpack with lots of pockets and spaces.

Granted, iLuv's new addition, Tangle, will not replace a backpack or your favorite pair of cargo shorts, but it could easily come in handy. Popularly known for all sorts of creative iOS device solutions, iLuv even has a contract to produce Peanut cartoon accessories. Inside, I take a look at the Tangle and its accessory carrying options...

Audiofly AF45 earbuds review and giveaway: stunningly crisp sound meets affordable price

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Some would say I have a terrible collection of music in my iTunes library. Ask any of my friends, or wife, and I probably rank last in choice of great music. Assuming, for now, I agree with them, that does not mean I cannot appreciate quality sound. Thus, my quest for the best pair of headphones began about a year ago. Keeping my eyes, and ears, open for anything that could quench my audio thirst.

As an average consumer, sound quality and price are both considered. Sure, if we wanted the best money could buy, we would all just buy in-ear monitors like the pros. But, not all of us make millions of dollars. Thankfully, I ran into Audiofly's booth at CES in January this year. Their full line of products dazzled my ears. This summer, I reviewed the AF78's, which were astounding. Today, I take a closer look at the AF45's, a more financially modest pair, as we head into the holiday gifting season. You could even win a pair for yourself! I'm giving away two pair of AF33's and two more pair of AF45's...

Best iPad Air keyboards

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

As iPad becomes more of a portable workhorse, the need for professional grade accessories drastically increases. Our own Jeff Benjamin swears by his iPad to muscle common tasks for his daily blogging needs. Of the most important professional additions, the keyboard rates at number one.

A virtual keyboard is perfect for portability. Software keyboards only take up screen space, but do not take up space in a travel bag or add weight. They are equally as noticeable when trying to actually accomplish some real work. The Bluetooth keyboard is the answer for users looking to get extra mileage from their iPad Air. Inside, we give a short spotlight to some of the best iPad Air keyboards...

Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio review: a thin, light and classy keyboard for iPad Air

Lory Gil ∙ December 4, 2013

Now that Apple has finally updated its full-sized tablet with completely new dimensions, iPad Air owners are forced to update their cases, covers, and sleeves, too. I have been using the same Solar Keyboard Folio from Logitech since 2011.

Luckily, Logitech has recently revamped their line of keyboards, folios and cases to fit the thinner iPad Air. The FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad Air has been updated with more than just different dimensions. The case has been redesigned to be thinner, lighter and easier to use. Read on for our review of the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad...

MiStand is a simple and functional stand for your device

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

iPad stands and docks are a great way to store and use the device without personally holding it. One of my favorite iOS device accessories, there are many stands and docks laying around on my desks, so many, I even let my friends borrow them on occasion. With a dedicated work station in my home office, I like viewing my devices in an upright position. It is simply easier to watch for notifications without picking up the device to look at the screen. Stands also keep my devices off dusty surfaces like the coffee table, book shelves or kitchen counter.

Anywhere I sit or stand for more than 10 to 15 minutes has an iOS device stand. The living room book shelves and side tables, kitchen counter, office desk, and sometimes my night stand all have device stands or docks. In an effort of generosity, even the guest bedroom has a charging alarm/clock/iPhone dock. All of my rambling is to say, I am quite well versed in the dock arena and MiStand by Mi is quite impressively giving all former stands a challenge for my top spot...

Incipio introduces new Touch ID-friendly, waterproof iPhone 5s case

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 24, 2017

Popular accessory-maker Incipio announced a new version of its Atlas iPhone case yesterday, called the Atlas ID. As the name suggests, the case is Touch ID-friendly and it provides the same protection from water and other elements as the previous Atlas model.

This is fairly significant, as there aren't many waterproof cases available for the iPhone 5s that work with the handset's built-in fingerprint reader. Most element-proof offerings cover the Home button completely, rendering the Touch ID feature effectively unusable...

iPhone 5c accessory grab bag giveaway

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

The iPhone 5c originally received a lot of attention due to the new form factor, lower price, and colorful addition to the otherwise black and white iPhone line up. Now, it seems the 5s is getting most of the attention as the new flagship handheld device.

Even iDB focuses primarily on the high end hardware, but today we recenter. Thanks to a few contacts in the right places, we are excited to announce an iPhone 5c specific giveaway to our readers. Take a look past the fold for the grab bag goodies going to one winner and enter for your chance to win...

Livescribe Smartpen 3 review: digitize your handwritten notes

Lory Gil ∙ November 16, 2013

I am not a very good note taker. I tend to focus too much on individual words and phrases instead of quickly jotting down thoughts while listening to a lecture. When I interview someone for an article, I always have a digital recorder of some kind with me because I just know I’ll miss something important in my notes.

The Livescribe Smartpen 3 lets you take notes using a physical pen and paper, while recording audio so that, later, you can playback the clips and listen to specific points in time, just by tapping the word. Maybe even more importantly, the handwritten notes automatically transfer to your iOS device, which is pretty cool, too…

ZAGG’s Origin wireless speaker combo [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

The Bluetooth speaker is making its way as a universal speaker for all mobile devices. As I mentioned in a previous Bluetooth speaker round up just last week, it appears more companies are entering the Bluetooth speaker marketplace. Also, it seems fewer companies are producing dock based speakers. After Apple turned the iPhone dedicated aftermarket upside down by eliminating the 30 pin cable, fewer companies want to continue chancing a Lightning pin specific option. With the universal Bluetooth standard, not only does the company future proof their design, but all mobile devices will work effortlessly, thus preventing costly dedicated iPhone models.

ZAGG (you know them as one of the original iPhone skin companies) is also branching into the mobile media scene. No longer just the InvisibleShield company, ZAGG and their new subsidiary iFrogz are getting their hands dirty in a cross platform way. From skins to cases to audio, there is certainly a diversification for the company. I was able to review a new pair of their Bluetooth headphones a few weeks back and today, a closer look at the ZAGG Bluetooth speaker, should leave everyone begging for more.

The ZAGG Origin, which made its first splash at CES 2013, had escaped my radar until recently. With a streamlined design and hard hitting sound, I was excited to receive a review unit. Origin may look like it is just another part of the average Bluetooth line up, but a detachable companion speaker is the second part of a one-two punch to success...

MiDock for iPhone is a simple and minimal desktop companion

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

Like iPhone sleeve cases, the "dock" is a generally over populated hardware field that many manufacturers throw out as an option. With so many different docks on the market, little things make or break the product. At what angle is the iPhone sitting, does it adjust, what are the materials, can it hold both iPhone and iPad, etc? Today, I take a look at the successfully Kickstarted MiDock and put it through the paces.

My first impressions of the device were very positive and for my personal preferences, it fit with my iPhone usage. However, after looking at the MiDock more critically, it might not be for everyone. Take a stop beyond the fold to determine if the MiDock is right for you...