Accessories

An iPad Case With Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated December 15, 2017

Please meet the KeyCase iPad Folio, an interesting iPad case that integrates a Bluetooth keyboard to the casing. It seems that the iPad really wants to be a netbook killer and it's getting closer to it. Or is it?

I love the concept, but personally, if I had to carry that stuff around, I'd rather just buy a netbook, which let me remind you, can be a much better business companion than the iPad if you need to do some real work while on the road.

At about $95, the KeyCase iPad Folio is not a bad deal though, if that's what you're looking for. It's currently out of stock but I'm sure it will be available again soon on the company's website.

[Simon Blog]

Prototype Physical Keyboard Accessory For Your iPhone 4

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Do you remember last year when Mobile Mechatronics released a physical keyboard that attached to the iPhone 3G and 3GS called the iTwinge? It turns out that it was a big enough hit for another company to put the click button feel to the iPhone 4.

A designer by the name of Altamash Jiwani has created a prototype that is a bit more complex than the previous accessories. The design resembles the Apple Bumper with the keyboard on rails that make the home button clearable with a slide. It would disable the functionality of the keyboard by way of its dock connect-ability. Not stopping there, the bottom would serve as a female dock port which would allow syncing without removing the keyboard.

Give a Vintage Look to Your iPad With a BookBook Case

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Want to give a vintage look to your iPad? Then you may want to try the BookBook case.

BookBook for iPad is a handmade one-of-a-kind, hardback leather case that doubles as a fully adjustable stand. Along with its vintage looks, the super cool case makes iPad feel as if you’re holding a real book, and in many ways you are holding a book. BookBook for iPad forms a safe cocoon around your prized iPad. The hardback cover and spine provide impact protection, while the hard protective inner frame offers crush protection. As a bonus, the unique design of this case disguises iPad for an extra level of stealthy security.

The BookBook case comes in classic black or vibrant red for $69.99 (free shipping).

[JAiB]

iPhone Patch Improves iPhone 4 Antenna Signal

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated February 23, 2017

A couple weeks ago I received and email from Jeff at iPhonePatch.com, a website that sells little stickers to supposedly prevent iPhone 4 antenna issues. Jeff was very friendly and easy going so when he proposed to send me some patches to try out, I agreed. I received the patches last week and I've been trying them ever since and I'd like to tell you a bit more about my experience.

The patches come in 15 different designs to choose from. They're tiny little vinyl patches that take a few seconds to put on. Personally, I put the skulls and recycle logo patches on my iPhone because I thought they were the one that fit me best. It looked a little funny to have these on my phone at first but I quickly got used to them.

I have terrible signal in my house and when I grab my iPhone, I usually get just one bar. After putting the patches on my i4 though, I was able to get 2 or 3 bars constantly when holding the phone. For the purpose of this review, I tried to replicate the antenna death grip and I wasn't able to. The least I would have was 2 bars.

If like me you don't like having a case on your iPhone, using these vinyl patches might be a good alternative to using a Bumper to increase signal strength.

Starting at $5.99 for a six pack of vinyl patches, I think they are a good deal. The only thing I have against the patches is the poor variety of designs. There is indeed not much to choose from but Jeff tells me he's going to be adding more styles in the near future.

You can buy vinyl iPhone patch from iPhonePatch.com.

iPad KegMate Makes Perfect Bartender

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Some engineers at Yelp have made the iPad and a keg of beer work together. The iPad is connected to the keg via several connectors and it is able to tell who's pouring the beer, how much he is pouring, as well as various information about the beer.

Watch the video for more details. It's pretty cool!

Do you want the same at home? Grab the source code here.

[JAiB - Gizmodo]

The Ultimate iPad Accessory

Sébastien Page ∙ August 14, 2010

This might be the most expensive iPad accessory to date: an ergonomically designed chair specifically custom tailored for optimum iPad use. Built by Elite Home Theater Elite, this chair will set you back $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the additional features you choose.

Turn Your iPhone into a Mini iMac

Guest Author ∙ August 14, 2010

I don't like to make a habit out of promoting (or writing) about accessories I haven't used, simply because you don't usually know until you have it in hand. However the Just Mobile Xtand for the iPhone looks seriously legit. This aluminum holder takes your trusted device, and morphs it into a little looking iMac. Just another reason I might hold off on buying an iPad. Sorry Apple.

The 3 piece unit is said to be easily assembled and incredibly sturdy, and houses a rubber "hand" so to be speak, where the iPhone actually rests. Sick of looking up peoples nostrils on your FaceTime calls? No problem, this solution will fix that in no time. A must have ability is covered in allowing either portrait or landscape mode. Watching movies or reading iBooks on an iPhone just became ten times better.

All iPhone models seem to be supported, with a current 20% discount bringing the total to just $33. iPod Touch, iPad, and even MacBook look-a-likes are also available. So no more worries of holding your phone the wrong way. Just plop it into this beauty, and let the Xtand do the gripping for you. This just might be sitting on my desk I'm a short time. What do you guys think?

Wooden iPhone Case

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated September 20, 2016

So we've all seen the diamond bezeled iPhones over the years, as well as gold plated. Usually they are thousands upon thousands of dollars and don't even look that nice. If you're more of an outdoors kind of geek, then look no further for the first wooden iPhone 4!

Case maker KARVT has come out with these surprisingly good looking skins, for the iPhone 4 and 3GS. Pre-orders for the lumber looking protectors start at $25 for your iPhone 4, and $14 for the 3GS. I can't accurately inform you as to how well they work, but they don't seem to be oak, so no throwing your devices to test them. As to whether or not the case helps or hurts your signal, you better just knock on wood!

iPhone Case Giveaway: 10 iVogue Cases to Win

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

We're not Apple so we won't be able to give free cases to every iPhone 4 owner out there, but the folks over at iVogue were kind enough to give us 10 cases to give away to our most loyal readers.

Here is what you have to do to enter the contest:

1. You must be in the US.

2. Look at the images after the jump and figure out what case you would like.

3. Go to our FaceBook page and under the entry titled "What Case Do You Want?", tell us what model and color you would want to receive.

4. Optional: you get extra points for retweeting this article on Twitter.

I will randomly pick 10 winners before the end of the week and I will send them an email via FaceBook to ask for their mailing address.

For more information about iVogue, I suggest you check out their website as they have a great selection of inexpensive iPhone cases.

FridgePad iPad Fridge Magnet Mount

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Why would you put your iPad on the fridge? Well, why wouldn't you, especially now there's an accessory for this? It's called FridgePad and it's basically a magnet mount in which you can put your iPad.

Even though the website lists several reasons why you'd want to use the FridgePad, I still fail to see how I can put this to use. Maybe you'll be more creative than I am.

The FridgePad will be available this fall for an undisclosed price.

[JAiB]

Geeky iPhone Apps Coasters Will Be the Life of the Party

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated November 12, 2018

Thirsty? There's an app a coaster for that!

Because they're made using the original high resolution artwork, these coasters come out looking great, crisp with a glossy finish. And to those of you wondering, no, they will not turn your coffee table into an iPad, but we sure hope they did.

These iPhone app coasters come in 3 sets of 6 icons. Each set is about $32. You can get them from here.

If you call yourself an iPhone lover then you owe it to yourself to get the geekiest of all iPhone accessories: the iPhone apps coasters.

Iconic Stand Turns Your iPad Into a Mini Computer Screen

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

When you put the iPad on the Just Mobile UpStand, it just looks so cute. Like a child-sized version of the iMac.

[Giz - Xtand]