Apple iPhone Gear

Fisheye + Wide Angle (+Macro) + 2X + 9X + 12X Telephoto Lens Combo for iPhone 5

In June of 2011 I reviewed the multi-lens combo kit from USBFever.com for the iPhone4. Then I said that while the kit will not replace your D-SLR and a case full of lenses it is very useful and perfect for the consummate iPhoneographer. I just finished testing the new iPhone5 combo lens kit and I reaffirm those findings with additional good news. In my previous review I recommended throwing away the 8x lens once you receive your kit. Seems someone was listening as that piece has now been replaced with a 9x telephoto lens attachment that is on par with…


Element Case Releases the Ronin FE for the iPhone 5

This is easily the most beautiful iPhone 5 case I’ve seen, and you know how I have a softness for wood. Element Case has just released their new limited edition Ronin, which uses a combination of aluminum and Zircote wood. They’ve based the design on the “clean lines of the “Katana,” or Samurai sword. The Ronin 5 sets new heights in iPhone case technology and style with never before seen details like proprietary micro machined volume/mute mechanism, and near impossible CNC machined details in exotic wood.”   If you’ve never heard of Zircote wood, you’re not alone; I hadn’t, either….


Oberon Design Large Smartphone Sleeve Review

It wasn’t so long ago that I reviewed the Oberon Design cellphone sleeve, and while that case was perfect for the iPhone and other similarly sized mobile devices, it isn’t quite big enough for all of the larger-screened mobile devices that are now so popular. I’ve got the new Nokia Lumia 920, which has a 4.5″ screen and measures 5.13″ tall x 2.79″ wide x 0.42″ thick; it is simply too large for the original sleeve. Luckily, I was soon to receive the new Oberon Design Large Smartphone Sleeve. This larger sleeve measures 6.25″ tall x 4″ wide; these measurements…


Eemov Nano Stabilizer Arm Review

Smartphone cameras and camcorder abilities have improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years, and that means that more and more they are becoming our go-to devices to record precious memories and important events. Where you used to see someone carrying anything from a point and shoot to a full DSLR, you now see people whipping out their iPhones or Android devices (and sometimes even iPads!) As a result, the camera accessories people used to use with their dedicated cameras are now being reinvented as smartphone compatible. I had the opportunity to review one such device, the Eemov…


Sena Magia Wallet for iPhone 5 Review

We’ve been looking at a number of the cases Sena offers for the iPhone 5. This time out we are looking at the Sena Magia Wallet for iPhone 5. This wallet-style case protects your phone, holds a number of cards, and does so in as simple and stylish manner as I have seen. Let’s take a look. From Sena: Give your Apple iPhone 5 the sleek and versatile look it deserves . The Magia Wallet’s modern innovation clasps your smartphone in place and engulfs it with handcrafted premium leather. Features: Seamless luxurious slim design Magia Tape adhesive securely holds your…


iPhone 5 Shell Holster Combo Review

Aside from something ridiculously expensive like the offerings from Vaja (which are beautiful and I love, but: money!), I am constantly looking for a good case for my iPhone.  I like a slim case, but with some protection.  I like having a bezel in front of the screen, so that I can lay it face down at need.  I also like cases with a little additional functionality — one with card slots, for example, or one with a built-in stand.  And last, I like them to have a good feel to them; I carry my iPhone literally everywhere, and if the…


Sena UltraSlim Access for iPhone 5 Video Review

We’ve been taking a loot at some of the iPhone 5 protection offerings from Sena Cases. This time out we’re taking a look at the simplest case they make — the Sena UltraSlim Access for iPhone 5. This may be the simplest case available for the iPhone 5. Don’t let that fool you, though. This case might be simple, but as pouch-style cases go, it stands out thanks to its classy look and feel. From Sena: The UltraSlim Access is the thinnest leather case ever designed for any mobile device. It is perfect for those who prefer zero bulk. Light zero…


Element Case Sector 5 Case for iPhone 5 Review

We are fans of Element Case’s various offerings. The company puts out iPhone “protection systems” that keep your phone safe while also giving it a style that is immediately identifiable as something coming from the originator of the CNC-machined iPhone case. Their latest creation, the Sector 5, is probably their best ever. At $139.95 the Element Case Sector 5 for iPhone 5 isn’t cheap. Still, the Sector 5 is a complete protection kit that offers Element Case’s signature style. Before we go on camera with the Sector 5, let’s see what the company has to say about their latest creation….


Sena Wallet Slim for iPhone 5 Review

Yesterday we took a look at the Hampton Wallet from Sena Cases. It is a gorgeous leather case that protects your iPhone while letting you carry up to three different cards. While I love the way it looks and feels I found that, unfortunately, I became a bit tired of constantly having to unsnap the case and fold back the cover to access the screen. That’s where the Sena Wallet Slim steps in. It too offers a three card wallet. It too protects the iPhone. Unlike the Hampton Wallet, though, this case doesn’t have a cover. That means less protection…


Phiaton MODERNA MS 200 Earphones Review

Back in July I put the Phiaton PS 20 BT Bluetooth Stereo Headset head to head with the Jabra Clipper Bluetooth Stereo Headset. (Read the pos, here.) I preferred the Phiaton PS 20 BTs to Jabra’s offering, and I have continued to use them on a fairly frequent basis since doing the review. Among the things that stood out at the time was the unusual design of the earbuds — they are angled in a manner that surprised me. On first appearance, the design looked awkward; I expected them to be uncomfortable, but I was wrong! The earbuds went into my…


Sena Cases Hampton Wallet for iPhone 5 Video Review

One of our Newsletter Underwriters, Sena, has rolled out a new series of cases for the iPhone 5. Some styles are similar to those available for the iPhone 4S but updated for the new design of the iPhone 5. Others are brand new. All of them will impress anyone who wants to protect their iPhone in gorgeous leather. The company sent a selection of cases to us for review, and we’ll be taking a look at them in the coming days. First up, the Sena Cases Hampton Wallet for iPhone 5. This case, at just under $60, is perfect for…


Bling My Thing’s Dot Matrix Case for iPhone 4S Review

Some of us like our iPhone cases nice and simple. My regular case is a basic black Incipio Feather, and I love it. However, iPhones are more than just a utilitarian device; they are also a fashion statement, and cases showcasing how beautiful a smartphone can be are extremely popular. Bling My Thing was kind enough to send us a Swarovski Elements decorated case to review, and it has been winning fans left and right in my house! The last “Bling My Thing” case I reviewed was clear, but this one has a more mirrored finish to it. There’s some…


JBL FLIP Portable Wireless Loudspeaker Review

The last year or two has seen a huge proliferation in the number of small battery-powered Bluetooth speakers. We’ve reviewed the Jabra SoleMate, took a look at the popular JawBone JamBox a shootout between the Braven 600 and the JamBox and, most recently, reviewed the SuperTooth Disco 2. When the JBL FLIP arrived for review it looked to be yet another in this long and growing line of portable speakers. At just $99 how good could it be? The answer might surprise you. From JBL: The JBL Flip with Bluetooth® capability is an ideal wireless stereo system for smartphones and…


Spigen SGP Illuzion Faux Leather Case for iPhone 5 Review

Spigen SGP makes the GLAS.t screen protector I have on my iPhone 5. I love it. They also make some great cases. For example, the UltraThin air I am using comes from them. They also make the larger, more protective lluzion Faux Leather Case. That is the case I put on my in-laws iPhone when they received them last week. Here’s a look. From SGP: iPhone 5 Illuzion is a premium synthetic leather wallet case with card slots inside. The cover has a speaker and earpiece cutout to allow users to talk on the phone even when the case is closed….


iLuv’s Stylish ReF Line of Headphones Make Clear, Music Is Fashion

Headphones are fashion and are now music to your eyes, just as they are music to your ears. Recognizing this fact, iLuv has just introduced their ReF line of premium headphones. As Brian Kim, Global Product Marketing Manager of iLuv’s Premium Headphone Division notes Headphones are quickly becoming a part of the language of fashion, and we at iLuv recognize that consumers are searching for quality headphones that also feature a stylish design. That is why we are introducing Fashionology®, a combination of fashion and technology. Headphones traditionally appealed to a small group of audiophiles and technology enthusiasts, but that…


Skooba Cable Stable Rollup Kit Review

Back in June, I did a video post on how I created a Skooba Design “Go Pack”. I took one of the company’s Cable Stables and strategically loaded it with all the cables and accessories I need with me on the go. It continues to serve me well but, believe it on not, it can be a bit too large on days when I’m traveling super-light. This is especially so now that my iPad mini is my “go-everywhere” tablet. That’s why I was pleased to get one of Skooba Design’s first Cable Stable Rollup Kits. The Rollup Kit is small,…


SuperTooth Disco 2 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Review

I first reviewed SuperTooth’s Disco Bluetooth speaker about a year and a half ago. It is an interesting speaker with a design that stands out in an increasingly crowded market. The original Disco was long and low. Rather than having capacitive touch controls it had – get this — a physical knob for volume control and actual buttons for all other functions. Talk about old-school! When I first opened the box, I really thought the original Disco was ugly. However, over time it grew on me. And while I still don’t think it’s particularly attractive, I do like the physical…


Lightning Strikes with Two JBL Speakers Sporting Apple’s New Lightning Connector

Accessories equipped with Apple’s new, smaller Lightning Connectors are finally beginning to roll out. The other day we brought news of Belkin’s lightning-equipped car charger. Today we get word that JBL has announced two new speakers that also work with the iPhone 5, iPad mini and other current generation iOS devices. Priced at $99 and $199, one of the speakers is great on the go, while the other will happily take up residence in your kitchen or next to your bed. Both feature the updated connection; here’s a look. The JBL OnBeat Micro is …an ultra-portable, acoustically sophisticated speaker that…


Libratone Zipp Named a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree

The Libratone Zipp a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree In that arena of “cool gear”, one of the biggest surprises for me this year has been the Libratone Zipp. When it arrived, I was struck by its unusual appearance; it is a cylindrical column. I was also taken by its design flexibility thanks to the interchangeable wool covers. Yes, the Zipp can be “dressed” to match pretty much any decor. But it wasn’t until I went to listen to the Zipp, that I was blown away. The speaker is rather small, but it pumps out huge, excellent…


JBL Micro 2 Rechargeable Portable Speaker Review

Your iPhone’s speaker stinks, and so does your iPad’s; even the iPad mini’s stereo speakers, a first for an iOS device, are crappy. And your Android devices? They don’t really do much better. Yes, for a quick YouTube video or conversation the speaker on your mobile device is certainly adequate but it’s not going to win any audiophile prizes. And while you could keep a larger speaker such as the JawBone in your gear bag, that takes up space and adds weight. That’s where this diminutive speaker from JBL comes in. The JBL Micro 2 is small, light, and can…


Belkin Car Charger with Lightning Connector for iPhone 5 Review

Those of us who use Apple’s mobile products have entered into a transitional period. The devices we had prior to this fall all use the company’s 30-pin dock connector but, as you likely know, all of their new products use a much smaller, and thankfully reversible, connector. If you have old cables, it means you either need to buy new ones or get one of Apple’s pricey adapters if you want to charge on the go. Thankfully Belkin has been first to step in and release new products that use the updated connector. They sent me one of their Car…