We may be getting closer to a hardware version of hands-free navigation for iPhone users. The FCC has released several documents plus photos of a planned TomTom Car Kit for the iPhone.

[Cult of Mac] The kit (pictured above) includes a mount enabling the iPhone to be positioned either vertically or in landscape mode. Engadget also writes the kit includes Bluetooth and a dedicated SiRFstar GPS chipset.

The announcement may be welcome news to iPhone navigators who hoped an actual TomTom product would follow an iPhone app released earlier this month. The app, priced at $99.99 for U.S. and Canadian iPhone owners, competes with the likes of CoPilot Live ($34.99), Sygic Mobile Maps ($39.99), AT&T’s Navigator ($10 monthly fee) and Google Maps.

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Upon reading the review HERE, an Otterbox Rep. got back to me regarding the issues that I had with the screen interactivity. The Rep. wrote;

“ I did want to note, in response to your review of the iPod touch Defender Series case, that the 2^nd generation case has been improved to address some of the concerns you mentioned.  I’m interested to hear that you had some problems with the interactivity of the screen.  That case usually does have a thin protective skin across the screen for protection during shipping so make sure you have removed that.  Also, in terms of corner accessibility, the new case has a wider screen to correct that problem.  Hope you like the cases overall, thanks again for your support.”

There you have it folks, Otterbox are obviously proactive in improving their products and are willing to take the time to follow-up with their customers.

Be sure to check out their full line of products HERE.

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OtterBox Defender Series for the Apple iPod Touch 1G

The fine folks over at Otterbox have provided me with an iPod touch Defender series case to try out, which retails for $29.95. I must note that the case in this review is for the iPod touch 1^st generation, but the Defender series is also available for the 2^nd generation touch, as well as the iPhone 3G. Without further ado, let’s begin.

The case is actually two cases in one. A polycarbonate shell covers the iPod, and then a silicone skin slips over the shell, thus acting as a shock absorber. An added feature is the clear polycarbonate film that covers the touch screen of the device, which essentially seals the device entirely within the case. Silicone plugs cover all of the device’s nooks and crannies, therefore allowing you to access the sync/charge port as well as the headphone jack.

Included is a set of instructions with detailed pictures that make installation a snap.

The polycarbonate shell is two separate pieces, which snap together over the iPod:

The silicone skin then slips over the shell:

Voilà! Your iPod is now protected, sealed against the elements, and looks badass. Navy SEAL badass.

After extensive use, I have a few observations to share with you.

Pros:

• The design of the case offers bump, scratch and drop protection. I was not prepared to test the latter with such an expensive device on the line, but due to my occasional clumsy ass accident-prone nature, I can say that the case does indeed offer drop protection (up to 3 1/2 feet, anyways)
• While not completely waterproof (see: OtterBox iPod touch Armor case), the case does offer protection from the elements such as light rain & snow (again, confirmed). The clear screen built into the polycarbonate shell, is a nice feature that allows for all weather use. It is, however, a double-edged sword. More on that later.

Cons:

It’s now later. While useful, the clear screen is one of the case’s only drawbacks. More effort is needed for every touch of the screen, and every icon, arrow, etc… that is on the edge of the screen, or in the corners is very difficult to access. In some instances, some programs are almost unusable due to the location of some menus.

Overall, if you are someone who has a tendancy to turn on their iPod Touch and let music play all day, are really clumsy and tend to drop things, or are looking for a very robust case for your Touch, then I would highly recommend this case to you. I will personally be keeping this one for trips involving hot of cold destinations, as it would be perfect for those situations.

Thanks again to Otterbox for donating the case for review, please be sure to visit their site to see and purchase what they have to offer!

Also, check out the review on the Otterbox Impact Series case for the iPhone 3G here and here.

Check out the YouTube teaser for the review, please go and subscribe!

Ciao ’til next time!

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Hello All,

I just wanted to let everyone know about our upcoming product reviews.

As you can see further down in the posts on the main page, there is a review of the Otterbox Impact Series case for the 3G. You can read it here.

I apologize that I cannot review products for the iPod Touch 2G, but I do not currently have one in my possession.

Here is the list of upcoming product reviews (as of January 14, 2008);

1) Otterbox Defender Series case (iPod Touch 1G)

2) BatRest Stand (iPhone and iPod Touch)

3) Vaja i-volution top case (iPhone 3G)

4) Vaja i-volution grip case (iPod Touch 1G)

5) Richardsolo 1800 battery backup (iPhone and iPod family)

6) ifrogz Luxe case (iPhone 3G)

7) ifrogz Wrapz case (iPod 1G)

8) Contour Flick case (iPhone 3G)

9) Krusell Orbit case (iPhone 3G)

10) Krusell Orion case (iPod Touch 1G)

Keep checking back for additional products and giveaways!

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• June 8, 2009 -- The iPhone 3G [S], Details, and the Official Apple Guided Tour (0)

I figured that I should introduce myself, I am Adam and I am a iPhone-aholic… oops, wrong meeting!

Honestly though, my name really is Adam, and I am the newest member of the Touch Podium team. I have been put in charge of conducting product reviews for the iPhone 3G and the iPod Touch, and hopefully help you all with making decisions on what products to get and which to stay away from.

Products reviews will have two formats;

1) Video posted on YouTube

2) Picture and text posted on the Touch Podium website

One of the other exciting parts of these reviews will be GIVEAWAYS!! That is right, some of the products that you see reviewed here could possibly end up belonging to you. So keep an eye on the website!

Please visit Otterbox and check out their line of products here. A special thanks to them for supplying a Impact Series case for the iPhone 3G and a Defender Series Case for the iPod Touch 1G!

Here are the links to the first review videos. Make sure that you subscribe and check back often!

Otterbox Defender and Impact Series Unboxing and Initial Thoughts

Otterbox Impact Series Review

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So how many of you actually even remember these in-ear headphones, announced by Steve Jobs himself, way back in September? You know, at the Let’s Rock, event?…

Do you remember how he promised to have them ready for retail purchase for October? Well, December is here, and finally, so are these Apple in-ear’s. Only two months late, but who will ever notice, right?

Each earbud’s got its own woofer and tweeter, so be prepared for Master of Puppets to sound better than ever. They’ve got a built-in remote and mic — yet curiously aren’t compatible with the iPhone — and they come with three sets of interchangeable silicone tips for small, medium, and large ears.

Anyway, the headphones have already been talked about way back in September, so there is no need to go into in-depth details about them, but there you have it. They are now available for purchase.

If you’d like to get yourself a pair, feel free to check out Apple’s Online Store here.

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Marware has the answer.  Or an answer, anyway.  It’s not a control pad with buttons or a thumbstick, but it has handles anyway.  Marware’s Game Grip is a chunky silicone affair that you slip your iPhone (or iPod Touch with included spacer) into so you can get a better grip on things when tilting and rotating for games that would have you do that sort of thing.

It comes with a skin that fits over the iPhone 3G, a spacer for the iPod Touch 2G, plus the grip handles that the ensconced devices slip snugly into.  It can be used with headphones and can be charged while gaming, plus features a cord management system tucked into the handles so neither of those two wires get in the way should you happen to be using either one or both.

Aside from making it look like one of those cheap, retro Tiger LCD handheld games from days of yore, the silicone provides a firm grip so frenetic action doesn’t let it slip from your sweaty palms.

This chunktastic set of grips don’t come cheap though: Marware would have you drop $50 for a pair of your very own.  Check out Marware’s Game Grip page for more glamour shots.

(via Engadget)

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Incipio has recently released their new iPhone 3G case design, which is literally thinner than 1mm.

Being thinner than 1mm in thickness, this case is said to fit while sitting on most docks available on the market.

Measuring less than 1mm thin, Feather is ideal for the iPhone user seeking inconspicuous, first-class protection. Feather is made of an ultra light, ultra strong polymer for light as a feather, form-fitting durable protection without the added bulk. Feather features a soft touch matte finish and includes 2 surface protectors and a cleaning cloth. Feather by Incipio is so thin that it allows the iPhone to be used with many of the docks on the market.

Features

• Ultra light, ultra strong polymer.
• Less than 1mm thin – for superior protection without adding bulk.
• Soft touch matte finish
• Light as a feather, form-fitting durable protection.
• Includes 2 surface protectors and a cleaning cloth

The case is currently available in black, white, turqoise, olive green, and magenta, and is priced at $19.99.

For more information regarding this case, see the official website.

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So Swedish inventor Peter Thuvander decided to make induction charging fun.  He took his favourite toy — a yo-yo — and turned it into an induction charger for the iPhone which he calls the iYo.  Yeah, I see that raised eyebrow there.  You’re thinking about how absurd that sounds.  So was I, but after seeing the pics and watching the video, I have to admit he manages to do it with style.

Peter’s design combines a rotating center with a stationary outer shell to allow magnets to pass over pieces of iron, the energy from which then charges a built-in LIon battery.  It takes just 30 revolutions of the iYo to charge the battery up enough to trigger the iPhone’s charge circuit.  You can’t do anything useful at that point, but it does provide an example of how well the idea could work.

Once you’ve Yo’d your iYo for a few minutes, it should have enough charge to juice up your iPhone or iPod Touch enough to use it for a fair bit of time.  No, sorry, no bonus points for cradling or walking the dog.

The main benefit to this of course is that you don’t need sunlight nor do you have to sit there hand cranking for several minutes. Just whiling away a few entertaining minutes yo-yoing and you’re good to go.  Just pop off the centerpiece with the Apple logo and plug your iPhone in to its USB port.

Have a look at the video below for a teaser o his concept.  No word on whether he’s going to bring this to market, but it’s a rather interesting idea nonetheless.

(Peter Thuvander, via Gizmodo)

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Cambridge Audio has just recently revealed two new HiFi systems in Milan.

The Sonata, aimed directly at audiophiles, consists of a 2.1-channel
DAB receiver ($547), which offers 40-watts of amplification per
channel and your choice of an up-scaling 1080p DVD player or a
Wolfson-DAC-loaded CD unit for another ($327). The all-in-one
Fusion ($549) includes 30-watts per channel, an integrated CD
player, DAB / FM tuner, USB port, an SD slot and a customized iPod dock
(which is also bundled with the aforementioned Sonata).

Both of these units are set for a release in the UK in both silver, and black flavors. The Fusion is said to hit store shelves in November, which the Sonata is said to be available in February 2009.

(via Engadget)

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Thankfully, Dots Gloves has come up with an idea to fix this issue for good. The company is responsible for bringing you gloves – knit, or wool – with a small metal button at each fingertip. The knit gloves are $13.00, while the wool gloves are $18 for a pair.

I personally don’t ever see myself getting a pair of these snazzy gloves, but if you are one for function over appeal, then maybe this is for you.

Have a closer look at these suckers via the official website, here.

(via TUAW)

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Sony just recently announced their new CD clock radio for iPod’s and iPhone’s.

Perfect for your nightstand or dresser, the ICF-CD3iPSIL CD clock radio packs an array of functions into a space-saving design. Thanks to a hidden sliding dock tray, you can easily dock your compatible iPhone™ or iPod® MP3 player. A dual alarm lets you set two separate wakeup times with the option of waking up to the music stored on your iPhone or iPod music player, your favorite CD or radio station. Additional features include an AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, a large easy-to-read LCD and an included remote control that lets you access all the music on your iPod MP3 player or iPhone from across the room.

There’s not much to say about the product other than it uses a round silver and black layout to make it look sleek and stylish, which stands out from the rest of the crowed.

The radio isn’t too expensive – especially for a Sony product – and I’d actually consider purchasing my own, if I hadn’t already had my eye on another docking/radio station for my iPod, and future iPhone. If you’re at all interested, the radio will only cost $99.99, plus taxes.

One thing that I say sucks about this products price is the fact that Sony is offering free ground shipping on all products over $100.00. One stinkin’ penny! Then again, if you’re interested in free shipping, might as well buy a cheap pair of headphones or something of the like to raise your final shopping cart list before ordering.

The product is available for pre-order now, from Sony’s Sony Style website here.

(via Sony Style)

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Have a gander at Griffin’s newest production for the iPhone, which the company announced at the Apple Expo 2008 expedition, which just ended yesterday, on September 20th. This thing is wireless, sleek, stylish, and small, and best of all, it amplifies your iPhone’s speakers, outputting much louder volume from the device – without wires!

I’ll let Griffin speak for themselves:

AirCurve is a cleverly-designed acoustic amplifier that turns your iPhone into a no-power-drain alarm clock on your nightstand, or a mini sound system that never needs batteries or adapters.

AirCurve looks like a simple, elegantly minimal stand for your iPhone. But inside is a cleverly designed coiled waveguide that collects the sound from the built-in speaker of your iPhone, amplifies it, and projects it into the room. AirCurve’s waveguide has been engineered to deliver amazing amplification — you’ll swear there are full-sized speakers in there.

AirCurve is designed with a pass-through slot that allows you to charge and sync your iPhone by inserting a Griffin Dock Cable (available separately). And AirCurve’s see-through translucent polycarbonate body lets you appreciate the graceful curves inside that do all the work.

Features include:

• Acoustically amplifies your iPhone
• Custom-engineered waveguide requires no power
• Allows syncing/charging using Griffin Dock Cable
• Great for nightstand or tabletop
• Great for use as a speakerphone

I haven’t had a chance to try out the product myself, so I cannot tell you if it actually works well or not. In fact, this product isn’t available for purchase as of yet, however a price of $19.99 has been announced.

Once released, if any of you actually do get a chance to try out this sleek design by Griffin, please leave us a comment in regards.

(via Griffin Technology)

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To rectify this problem, Apple has issued a recall to all and sundry who have these adapters, whether received with the iPhone 3G or purchased separately. All adapters for devices released in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and several Latin American countries that have no markings on the prong end of the adapters are subject to the recall.  If yours has a green dot in one corner then you’re safe.  If you’re saddled with a gimpy one however, Apple is making it easy to get a free exchange for a newer, stronger, less trigger happy one.

Starting October 10th, you can take yours into any Apple store and make the swap with no hassle.  If you don’t have an Apple Store in your area however, or don’t want to bother fighting the crowds that invariably congregate there, you can fill out an exchange form on the web and they’ll ship your new adapter to you along with prepaid return packaging for your old one.  New adapters will be shipped around the same time they become available at brick and mortar stores.

For either exchange method, Apple will require your device’s serial number to make sure it was released in a qualifying country.  You can find your serial number in your iTunes device info panel or on your device in Settings->General->About.

You’ll also need to create an iTunes account if you haven’t already — and I’m sure most of you have.  The process is pretty painless; I went through the web exchange method for both of my iPhone 3Gs (one being my wife’s) and was done in just a couple of minutes.

The new adapters, when they arrive, will sport the aforementioned green dot on the corner of the prong end to indicate that it is a new model.

(via Engadget)

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The sleek design of the Pogo Stylus features an ultralight aluminum body with an anodized finish and laser graphics. The soft tip glides easily over the surface of the display, making it fun and easy to sketch, draw characters, or just slide to unlock. Sized for accuracy, it does away with the awkward typos and misfires common to fingertip-only use. 

Eliminating fingers has the added benefit of keeping the screen free of smudges and grease. Designed to firmly hug the contours of the iPhone 3G, the Pogo Stylus travel clip will keep your stylus close at hand. A second clip is included for the original iPhone and iPod touch. 

If you’re at all interested in getting yourself one of these stylus pens, they are available immediately for US$19.95.

For more information in regards to the Pogo stylus, see the official website here.

[Buy The Pogo Here]

I don’t see myself buying a stylus anytime soon. My fingers work just fine, thank you. Smudges? Big deal. Rub the smudges and smears off with your t-shirt once you’re done with it if they bother you that much.

Click to enlarge

(via CNet Crave)

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San Francisco, CA – WaterField Designs, a leading maker of custom-fitted computer bags and cases for digital gear, announces Ultrasuede(TM) Suede Jacket cases for Apple’s upgraded iPod nano and iPod Touch announced Tuesday. Each case is custom-fitted to the respective iPod dimensions and can double as a screen cleaner. The ultra-slim cases are designed for scratch protection, accessibility and style.

“I love the Suede Jacket because it’s so simple; I can slip it in my pants pocket and my iPod won’t get dinged by my keys,” explained owner and chief designer, Gary Waterfield. “It’s almost weightless and adds no bulk.”

The iPod Suede Jacket is a minimalist case offering elegant protection from scratches without bulk. The basic Ultrasuede(TM) case fits iPods snugly and doubles as a screen cleaner. The streamlined case includes no visible branding. It is comes in classic black. They are available with or without a mesh pocket for earbuds, a bluetooth or a charger. Ultrasuede(TM) is a patented, scratch-free, washable, microfiber material- a more eco-friendly alternative to animal suede.

WaterField Designs also offers the The iPod Travel Case, designed to keep the iPod and its accessories all together and tangle-free. Custom-sized, padded, interior compartments keep gear organized. Self-locking zippers ensure contents don’t spill out accidentally. Each of three offered sizes maintains a thin and compact shape even when fully packed, so they are easy to stow in a work or day bag. The Travel Case is available in six colors.

WaterField offers a variety of other cases for iPhones and iPods including the Smart Case Slip, Flap and Clip, and the iPod Gear Pouches.

Availability and Pricing:
The iPod Touch 2G Suede Jacket: $9-$13 USD. Available to order Now. Shipping begins this Tuesday, September, 16, 2008. Color: Black. The iPod nano 4G Suede Jacket: $7-$11 USD. Available to order Now. Shipping this Tuesday, September, 16. Color: Black. The iPod Travel Case: $35-$39 USD. Available and shipping Now. Three sizes: Small, Medium, Large. Six colors: black, blue, brown, green, red, silver.

New Nano 4G and Touch 2G Suede Jackets
WaterField Designs Homepage

WaterField Designs manufactures custom-fitted, high-quality cases and bags for a full-range of laptop computers, cameras, and other digital gear. All products are manufactured to exacting standards in San Francisco. More information is available at their website.

Honestly, if I were in the market for a jacket for either my iPhone or Touch, these would be my most likely choice — I don’t particularly care if it’s suede or not, though that’s a nice touch, but the accessory pocket is really what makes this thing, as it’s something far too few cases have.

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Jonathan: “Look, we’re going to need to design something to eject the SIM.”
Marketer: “Just stick in a paperclip.”
Jonathan: “Haha!”
Marketer: “Call it a ‘SIM removal tool.’”
Jonathan: “Oh, you were serious.”
Marketer: “Make up a small instruction sheet. I’ll call Staples. Come on, it’ll be funny.”

Whatever the reason for Apple cheaping out, USBfever decided they were a bit tired of the joke, so they went and designed a real SIM removal tool for the iPhone 3G. It’s a tiny little thing that looks like the reset pin you often find in the unscrewable ends of PDA styli. (In fact, I’ve kept one of my own styli around for just that purpose. And yes, that’s the correct plural of stylus.) The cool thing is that it’s designed with a molded rubber plug designed to be stored in the iPhone’s headphone jack. Of course, this is only of any real use to people who A) frequently change SIMs, and B) don’t use headphones. Still, if this is the sort of thing you’d be interested in, it’ll only set you back three bucks plus shipping.

(via USBfever)

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Belkin has been secretly hard at work on an add-on gaming controller for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and has just today released some renders of their product in production.

The Belkin JoyPod looks phenomenal, and I can guarantee that it’ll be a huge hit.

Not much more information has yet been given about the product, but as soon as any more tid-bits have been leaked, we’ll be sure to keep you informed.

The folks over at iControlPad better get their design team together and be sure that it can succeed with Belkin’s upcoming gaming controller.

Who’s going to rake in the cash? Belkin, or iControlPad? Personally, I feel whomever releases their products to the wild first will get a nice headstart, but even then, quality is key, and Belkin looks like it’s got something slick on the way here.

We’ll just have to wait for more information on both products before we can make our final decision.

Now all we need to do is hope that these rumors are true, and that Apple does in fact allow App Store support for gaming controllers.

(via Engadget)

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Brando’s the first to release an external battery with additional external speakers for the iPhone 3G, and it looks like a keeper. Not only does this work with the iPhone 3G, but the first-generation iPhone as well.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 2400mAh
• Charging Time: ~3hrs
• Discharging time (to iPhone): ~3hrs
• Power of amplifier speaker: <1.5W
• Input Voltage: 4.8 ~ 5.5V
• Current input: 500-1000mA
• Output Voltage: 5.0 ~ 5.5V
• Current output: 100-1000mA
• Quiescent power drain: <50uA
• Weight: 93g

The iPower Portable Power Station with Speaker retails for $44.00, and can be purchased here in black, or white (for you white iPhone 3G owners out there).

(via Engadget)

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iLuv (Don’t worry, I’ve never heard of them either) has just recently announced their new dual-dock iPod/iPhone alarm clock system. The iMM173 allows for two iPod’s (or iPhone’s) to be connected on the dual top connectors.

Apart from the dual-docks, this alarm clock comes with 5 watt jAura sound, an aux input, an easy-to-see large external time display, and dual alarms, too. All this, in a package that cost no more than an MSRP of $129, which will most likely lower as it becomes available via retail this September.

(via Engadget)

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Wow, another gorgeous piece of hardware! The future is looking good, folks. The future is definitely looking up.

Well, it looks like Apple started something here, and, as expect, won’t be finishing it. Phone company OpenPeak is working on a landline phone that will work very similarity to Apple’s iPhone concept.

The device will feature a large touchscreen, with applications such as calendar, news, weather, and much, much more. So much more, in fact, that you’d be surprised. OpenPeak is actually planning on releasing some sort of SDK package for their upcoming OpenFrame phone, which will allow programmers around the world to release applications for the landline phone. Sound familiar? It sure does.

What I personally find cool about this, however, is the fact that you can use this as a digital photo frame and an internet radio.

My final thoughts on OpenFrame? Just buy the iPhone and be done with it. Why have a landline phone, when you’re already paying bills for a cellular phone which you can always have on you? Doesn’t make sense, right?

Anyway, if you’re still interested, OpenPeak plans on having this landline phone available for purchase sometime earily 2009, for a set price of around $200 – $300.

I’ll admit it though, nothing takes away from the fact that this is the greatest looking landline phone I have ever laid my eyes on. The future, my friends, is looking good.

For more information feel free to check out the OpenPeak website.

(via Gizmodo)

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Sony’s got a phenomenal audio system up their sleves they call the S-AIRPLAY system. This system allows for iPod’s to dock within the connectors found on the top of the device itself. I don’t know about all of you, but minimalistic is my style, and I’m really feeling this new audio system from Sony. This is one gorgeous piece of hardware. What’s cool about this audio system, is that you can purchase multiple other speakers from Sony and have them placed all around the house, so that the entire house is filled with whatever style music it is you listen to. (Be careful however. You might want to make sure your wife/hubby likes the same kind of music you do, else you may run into a few problems down the line with this one.)

Have a read at the full press release below.

SONY UNVEILS WIRELESS MULTI-ROOM AUDIO SYSTEM FOR IPOD PLAYERS

SAN
DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2008 – Sony today took the wraps off its new wireless,
multi-room audio system for listening to iPod® players.

The
new S-AIRPLAY™ system features Sony’s S-Air™ technology, which provides
a practical, wireless multi-room solution without complicated set-up
requirements. Wireless audio can be transmitted from the system’s main
docking station in one room to various rooms throughout the home — up
to nearly 164 feet-simply by plugging a separate S-Air wireless speaker
into a power outlet.

“This technology makes it easy to listen
to music from a compatible iPod without carrying it from room to room,”
said Andrew Sivori, director of marketing in the personal audio group
at Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “It’s an easy,
inexpensive way to get multi-room audio without professional
installation.”

S-Air technology delivers audio wirelessly to
the included speakers without interfering with other household devices.
The system comes with one docking station and two S-Air wireless
speakers, but it can transmit to up to 10 speakers simultaneously
(additional speakers sold separately).

Equipped with an
AM/FM tuner, the S-AIRPLAY system’s dual source feature lets users
listen to music from the iPod player or from a radio station. Listeners
in one room can hear their favorite radio station, while listeners in
another room can enjoy music from the iPod at the same time.

The
S-Air wireless speakers include remote control capability for the iPod
player’s music tracks so you can advance or go back to previously
played songs. The speakers also incorporate sleep timers and an alarm
clock function, making them perfect for bedside placement.
To
connect to an existing home theater system or television set, the
docking station includes composite A/V outputs. It also charges the
iPod while it is docked.

Pre-orders are now being accepted online at www.sonystyle.com for those who are willing to shell out $400.00 for this beautiful audio system. Sony is to have the S-AIRPLAY audio system available at Sony Style retail stores in September. Also, additional S-Air wireless speakers will be available in September for approximately $130.00.

(via Engadget)

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3G internet speeds killing your iPhone’s battery life far too quickly? Not a problem… if you have $50 to spare, that is.

The iSound Backup Battery is said to double the 3G web surfing time on the new iPhone 3G’s. Aside from that, you get up to 30 additional hours of music listening, or 6 hours of video watching, or 3 hours of additional talk time.

You can charge up the iSound Backup Battery by plugging it into a powered USB slot, or a wall outlet, and dock it into your iPhone. The battery is said to be able to fully charge an iPhone 3G in just a few hours. The battery can charge the iPhone 3G twice, and will show a red light when there is only one charge remaining.

Additionally, the iSound Backup Battery not only works with the iPhone 3G, it also works with the original first generation iPhone, and the whole line-up of 30-pin connector iPods. What’s best about this battery backup is that it is quite light, and is not all that bulky.

The battery is available now for a measly $50. Not too bad for what it does if you ask me.

Go on and get your own today!

(via Popular Mechanics)

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First of the two is the iWakeUp radio (ouu, fancy product name) which features dual alarms for weekdays versus weekends, and a sound enhancer for its more powerful speakers of the two docks we’re going to talk about today. You can set the alarms to trigger either the iPod itself, an AM/FM radio station, or a simple (yet annoying) buzzer. The iWakeUp is compatible with most all dockable iPods up to the iPod Touch, and the iPhone. The dock sells for $70.00 in black, as well as white versions.

The second release from Memorex is their Mi4019 radio, which has much smaller speakers, but in turn takes up less space than the latter. This one features a flip door to hide the buttons and the iPod dock when they aren’t in use. The AM/FM tuning and multi-source alarm are featured in this product as well, as is compatibility up to the iPod Touch and iPhone. This dock goes for a low $40.00 price tag for the basic system, which also ships now and comes in black, white, and retro pink.

(via iPodNN)

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Haha, now, I’ve godda admit, that’s a pretty damn slick sculpting project!

This is no dock that I’d personally want staring at me from my the corner of my computer desk, but it is pretty neat indeed.

What’s more is that this dock is actually up for dibs on Ebay, with the starting bid at a staggering $90.00.

Go on and bid your dignity away, fellow fan boys and girls!

Update – Get your own personalized (as in, your face!) bobble head dock:

It looks like the creator of this sculpture is willing to spend enough time to create 5 of these per month! In fact, not only so, but he’s also willing to change it up a little. Send the sculpture creator a photo of your face front, side, and behind, and he will gladly get this done for you within approximately 10 to 14 days after payment.

Here’s what he writes within the ebay auction found above:

Look we can make Steve Jobs in to you, All we need is 3 of your photos one in the front 2 from the side then we will make you a nice looking bobble head Charger Dock with the iphone or iphone 3G even ipod or nano can use it, good to put in your office very nice and cool.

You could use it to watch movie, video or photo on TV from your iPod iPhone with the av cable or SVideo

It work for ipod , ipod mini, ipod photo, Ipod nano, iphone and iphone 3G

this is hand make and we paint it , it will look like you.

Shipping will take 10 to 14 working days, because of hand make and we need to paint it.

Very good for gift

i only can make 5 of them in a month if you like one buy it now dont wait.!!

By the way, the Jobs bobble head above is now going for $202.50US.

(via Gizmodo)

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