Accessories

The Sensu Brush will change your uncool stylus stereotypes

Jim Gresham ∙ March 28, 2013

When I think of a stylus, I immediately jump to this image in my head of a nerd wearing something like a Best Buy Geek Squad suit with thick glasses and black rims. On the weekend this person likes to configure Punnett squares with the probabilities of his offspring's hair color instead of actually dating. Obviously he lists Binary as his second language on the resume.

Anyway, I'm here to break this stereotype. Not that I exude coolness or a hip, forward lifestyle, but I like to think I'm not a pocket protecting member of the nerd herd. Sensu is a cool stylus and after about 500 words, I think you will agree...

Bluelounge releases Mika, one stand to rule them all

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated September 30, 2013

It is almost redundant for me to begin another article expressing my love affair with quality iOS device stands, but, for the sake of tradition, allow my introduction sentence to lend credence to my lust. Bluelounge announced today, their newest product, the Mika, which is a simple stand for iPad, but strong enough to hold a full size MacBook. Thanks to a buddy at Bluelounge, I was able to get my hands on one for review prior to the announcement...

ColcaSac promotes natural product materials and iPad minimalism

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 22, 2017

The iPad mini is an elegant device with its chamfered edges and anodized coating. I really hate using cases that cover up the design, which brings me to sleeves. The best thing about a slipcase is the ability to enjoy the beauty and feel of the iPad mini without covering it up in a terrible, bulky case. The people at ColcaSac, whose iPhone case I previously covered, have developed a new line of cases for the iPad mini...

Seagate dominates the mobile storage competition with 1TB Wireless Plus

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

After meeting with Seagate at CES, I was excited to get my paws on their new Wireless Plus, which is big brother to the recently retired and previously reviewed GoFlex Satellite. We all need our digital content on the go and, often, our iOS devices do not have enough room. I know my 16GB are carefully utilized on both iPad mini and iPhone. Toting around a Wi-Fi enabled 1TB Seagate drive prevents the need for choosing which media to bring along. Just drag and drop your media file to the Wireless Plus and walk out the door...

Automatic Link in-car dongle brings your car’s diagnostics to iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 12, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AyXNeRbpRk

Automatic today announced an interesting new dongle which connects to your iPhone and leverages its Bluetooth connection to retrieve some useful data from your car’s onboard computer, adding a dash of Google Maps and gas pricing info so you can plan your trips and track fuel efficiency, but also keep tabs on your vehicle's critical data, check those engine alerts with actionable recommendations and more.

It connects to your car's OBD-II Data Link Connector to retrieve fuel, mileage and engine data and beam it to your iPhone via Bluetooth. A companion iPhone app combines this data with your GPS location, current fuel pricing and map data to track your drives, offer assistance for a bunch of issues and even automatically call 911 and your family members in an unfortunate case of a car accident...

RokDock is the new iPhone throne [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 27, 2013

Rokform is quite a regular on the review stream around these parts and it should come as no surprise. Before you assume, no, this is not a sponsored post. Simply, Rokform makes extremely quality products and I am always impressed by them.

The most recent chunks of T-6061 aircraft grade aluminum that Rokform CNC machined into a usable hunk of metal is the RokDock. The heaviest accessory on my desk, the three pound dock is a hyper-masculine throne upon which my iPhone rests. The RokDock is just awesome, no need to complain about my open love affair with their products...

The SurfacePad is perfect for iPhone nudists

Jim Gresham ∙ March 11, 2013

Some would call me an iPhone "nudist." I prefer iPhone "purist," but no one really cares. The point is, I prefer using my iPhone caseless. Sure, I get cases on a regular basis for prototype and review testing, but that does not mean I want to use one. Using an iPhone without a case prevents bulky third party hardware from ruining my purely Apple experience.

It appears Twelve South is after my heart and as they sent over a review unit of the SurfacePad. Recently releasing the SurfacePad, the company begs, "don't call it a case." Using SurfacePad for about a week, I have grown to enjoy its simplicity. Take a look inside to get the full details...

Palm Top Theater gives your iPhone that 3D display you’ve always wanted (or not)

Oliver Haslam ∙ March 10, 2013

3D was certainly the buzzword of yesteryear, with Android phone makers scrambling to make their handsets take advantage of all manner of 3D technologies with the aim of standing out from the crowd. Apple didn't make the jump to 3D with either the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5, but that doesn't mean some people don't still want it or indeed that it might happen in the future.

With SXSW going on in Austin, there are always some funky little gadgets on show, and the Palm Top Theater certainly falls into that category.

If you've ever wanted things to jump out of your iPhone's screen, then you'll want to read on...

The Notier stylus utilizes the industry’s finest tip

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 27, 2016

The stylus market is a crowded one. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and tips and are an integral part of personal computing history. Today, we take a look at Musemee's Notier stylus, which just received a product update. Boasting the "world's finest tip design," I was interested to give it a go.

As a disclaimer, I last used a stylus in 2004 on my Toshiba e-755 Pocket PC. Makes me sick thinking about it. Sure, I have dabbled here and there with a few styli when my friends have them around, but I have neither set off in quest for one, nor have I dreamed of wanting one. So, here I am reviewing the Notier with a fresh pair of preconceived notions and a nine year break from ever caring...

The VersaCover for iPad mini knows when to hold or fold

Jim Gresham ∙ March 7, 2013

Personally, I am not fond of folding, origami-sytle cases for iPad. Yet, there are a decent amount of them on the market. You know them. They have a folding back that props your iPad in any number of different angles to increase or decrease the viewing angle. Big deal. Up until now, I have never given an origami case a glance. In fact, sometimes I refuse to review them, but I had a hard time telling Moshi 'no' for their VersaCover. Finding myself happily surprised, look past the fold to see if these cases are the right fit for you...

Kordl promises to tangle proof your earbuds

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

You reach for your earbuds already knowing they are a tangled mess, but you don't know any different. Why are they always tangled? The guys behind Kordl are trying to start a tangle free revolution with their Christie Street project. Having met with some Christie Street reps at CES, they have been keeping me updated on their new projects and were nice enough to send over a working prototype of the new tangle preventing clip of plastic...

TeleSound: the sound messenger that sends audio Emojis

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

As we've said time and time again, we're huge fans of Kickstarter here at iDB, but everyone once in a while something pops up on our radar that makes us question the wisdom of making it easy for people to build and sell almost anything.

Take TeleSound as a prime example. With a goal of $100,000 and nearly a month to reach it, TeleSound is a little accessory that turns Emoji icons into audio, making it easy for your friends to not only send you silly little pictures, but to also annoy your cat in the process.

Is this uninhibited invention at its finest, and are we just getting old and boring? You be the judge...