Admit it. If you’re reading iPhone Life magazine, you’re a bit of an iFanatic. You love your iDevice and treat it like a member of your iFamily. There’s no 12-step program to help you with this addiction, so just embrace it.
When it comes time to buy gifts for others like you, there’s a wide variety of accessories you can get that are just a bit little outside the box.
You can also put this on your own Christmas, birthday wish list. (Note: Many of these are also available on Amazon.com.)
Admit it. If you’re reading iPhone Life magazine, you’re a bit of an iFanatic. You love your iDevice and treat it like a member of your iFamily. There’s no 12-step program to help you with this addiction, so just embrace it.
When it comes time to buy gifts for others like you, there’s a wide variety of accessories you can get that are just a bit little outside the box.
You can also put this on your own Christmas, birthday wish list. (Note: Many of these are also available on Amazon.com.)
Clothes make the iFanatic
iPod My Baby Shirts
$19.95, ipopmybaby.com
It is never, I repeat, never too early to start your offspring down the right path. This infant shirt sends the right message. Shown on the shirt is an iPhone with apps like “smile,” “giggle,” “burp,” and the all-important “poop.” I liked this so much I bought one for my granddaughter, which she wore proudly (and covered with drool) to the Apple Store.
iPhone t-shirts from CafePress
$10-$30, t-shirts.cafepress.com/iphone
Embrace your true nature and shout it out to the world with an iPhone-related t-shirt from Cafe Press. Forget Match.com… this is a better way to find your soul mate.
iTee, iDress
$39.95, $89.95, www.iclothing.com.au
This Australian company iClothing took a cue from the kangaroo and came up with a great way to carry your iPad around with you. Built into each iTee shirt and iDress is a pocket for your iPad. But remember to heed the warning on their Web site: REMOVE iPad BEFORE WASHING!
Cases in point
Aquapac iPhone case
$30, aquapac.net/usstore
The Aquapac iPhone case is amazing technology. It’s not only waterproof to a depth of 15 ft, it floats, allows you to use the touchscreen, and lets you talk and listen through the case. Unfortunately, I never mastered the techniques involved in talking underwater.
iPad Etch A Sketch case
$39, getaheadcase.com
This case sends just the right message to your corporate coworkers. It says, “Yes, I’m cool enough to have an iPad, but there’s still a bit of a kid in me.” The case in made of impact resistant ABS plastic and includes a kickstand for typing at the right angle. It’s unfortunate it doesn’t turn your iPad into a real Etch A Sketch. But as Steve Jobs says, “there’s app for that.” (Etch A Sketch HD for iPad, $2.99, app2.me/3155).
Speak up!
Retro Cassette Stereo Mini Speaker
$31.99, usbfever.com
The picture here shows the Retro Cassette Stereo Mini Speaker with an iPod attached, but the folks as USB Fever assured us that it will work with the iPhone. The speakers look like a mini-boom box, proving that everything that goes out of style eventually becomes popular again.
Giant Earbud Speakers
$40-$50, amazon.com; developer’s website: worldwidefred.com
These may look like earbuds, but they are actually large speakers 500 times the size of the earbuds that ship with the iPhone. But know what they say; it’s not the size that counts. The audio quality of these unusual looking speakers is great!
Moshi Moshi handset
$29.99, nativeunion.com
Who would want to go back in time to use a retro handset? I learned the value of this product when I had to change my granddaughter’s diaper and answer a call on my iPhone at the same time. It was impossible until I plugged in the handset and nestled in the crook of my neck, just like I used to do in the old days. The sound is great and you can even use it to make Skype calls with your iPad. It’s much better than holding your iPad up to your ear.
iCarta +
$54.99, atechflash.com
This is the ultimate in bathroom luxury. This nifty speaker from Atech Flash Technology combines an iPhone and iPod dock, a toilet paper holder, and moisture-free speakers. I’ve been trying to decide if this is something I should buy. It all depends on how much time you spend in the bathroom…
And everything else
Screen Puffs
$2.97, $14.95 (pack of 7), boxwave.com
Boxwave has provided us with the ultimate way to keep our iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad screens clean. Screen Puffs are made of non-abrasive, lint-free material that clean your screen quickly. If cleanliness is next to godliness, these little babies must be heaven.
Phone Fingers
9.90 Eur, phonefingers.com
This is another accessory designed to keep your iPhone or iPad screen clear of fingerprints and smudges. Called Phone Fingers, they come in multiple colors and different sizes at phonefingers.com. To put them on, you sort of roll them down the length of your finger; it’s like putting on socks.
Guitar Sidekick
$29.99, castiv.com
There are tons of guitar-related iPhone apps in the App Store and this little attachment allows you to have them right where you need them. Although I realize it might be a little big, I wish they had an iPad version since, at my age, my vision is not what it used to be.
