Over the past twelve months, I've reviewed over 175 accessories for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. Most of these are worthy products, and it's extremely difficult to choose the best ones. However, focusing on the ones that offer the best protection for your iOS device, three stand out above the rest.
Apple iPad – Headrest Mount
$99.99 (Item No. 215447), ProClipUSA.com
I knew the iPad would change the way I did things, but I never thought it would transform mobile entertainment as much as it did for my family. The kids love to use the iPad when we travel to watch movies, play games, listen to music, and more. In addition to those features, I use it (when I'm not driving) to check the news, look up addresses, keep an eye on the weather, and more.
The Proclip Headrest Mount holds your iPad securely and can be adjusted for optimal viewing.
ProClip's iPad Headrest Mount attaches securely to the back of your car seat's headrest post with a solid clamp and hex nuts. The sturdy plastic mount can tilt and swivel, allowing you to adjust the position of your iPad for better viewing. It's easy to slip the iPad in and out of the holder, but once in, it's held securely. Priced at $99, it may seem a bit expensive, but the added convenience makes it worth the price. The Headrest Mount by ProClip is one of the most useful and valuable accessories I have reviewed this year.
Sena Folio for the iPad
$99.99 (black, brown, red), senacases.com/apple
Sena's Folio for the iPad is one of the classiest and most functional cases that I have had the pleasure of using. Its attractive leather covering with impeccable stitching gives Folio a very professional appearance. The iPad slips easily into Folio and is secured with a stylish snap closure. Your iPad's screen is protected by a flap that folds over the display and snaps securely shut. The inside of the front cover has small pockets for notepaper and credit or business cards.
The Sena Folio for iPad is a high-quality, executive style case that has a useful pull out stand to optimize the iPad for video viewing.
Finally, the leather band that secures the cover flap can be folded over the back of the case and used as a stand (see graphic). Resting on a flat surface, it places the iPad at the ideal angle for viewing video.
Ultra Series iPhone 4 Screen Protector
$13.99, SGPStore.com
Apple may say that the
iPhone 4 screen is super durable and won't scratch or break, but there are some people who beg to differ. If you want to make sure your new Retina display is safe, you might want to invest in some sort of screen protector. There are many options on the market—some are good and others not so. My screen protector of choice is the Crystal Clear version of the SGP Steinheil Ultra Series iPhone 4 Screen Protector. (SGP makes other screen protectors for the iPhone, 3G, and 3GS.) There are two features that make this screen shield stand out from the rest. With the introduction of the Retina display on the iPhone 4, clarity is of the utmost importance. The Ultra Crystal Clear is so clear that friends don't even know I have one installed. In addition, it's easy to install. SGP cuts their shields just a bit smaller that the screen itself, which means that you don't have to be so precise with the alignment of the shield. The smaller cut also eliminates the dreaded "lift" problem. Most static application shields tend to lift up on the edges when used with a case; the SGP Steinheil screen shields do not.
SGP Steinheil Screen Protectors come in Ultra Crystal Clear, Ultra Oleophobic (resists oil), and Anti-Fingerprint versions.
SGP Steinheil offers its Ultra Series iPhone 4 Screen Protectors in three versions: Ultra Crystal, Ultra Oleophobic, and Anti-Fingerprint. All are reasonably priced at $13.99 for a two-pack.
Buy one for a friend
There have been many products that have performed exceptionally well over the year, but these three have stood out as highly functional with superior design. I would not only buy them for my personal use but would consider purchasing them as a gift for a friend or relative.
