Accessories

I am typing this on the beautifully designed and well-crafted Skinny Slim Keyboard case for the iPad 2, from Hatch & Co. ($90 at http://www.HatchnCo.com)  Unlike most bluetooth keyboard and case combinations, the Skinny is sleek, svelte, and is almost as slim as traditional folio cases that lack a keyboard.  This is possible because the keyboard is a membrane style, with almost no height to the keys whatsoever, just a slight raised outline for each key.

Kogeto: The name is inspired by, and reminiscent of Cogito Ergo Sum, Latin for "I think, therefore I am."  But the phrase that comes to mind when I tried Kogeto's DOT camera gizmo is "A picture is worth a thousand words."  Indeed, the Kogeto is worth more, because it lets you create panoramic views that are really interactive videos.  You can swipe your finger to pan in any direction and see the view as if a videocamera was pointed in that direction, at that time.  This is accomplished through a special lens attachment that snaps right on to your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S.

Speakal has some of the more interesting audio products available for iPhone, and iPod. I have written about several on our blogs, and in terms of quality, have found them a decent product for the price. Maybe not in the same class as say the Sonos or iHome audio products like the iW1 we've reviewed, but they still produce a good sound. Speakal has the market nearly cornered in unique and eye-catching designs with clever features (see my review of the motion-sensing, rechargeable iPig). If you want a sound dock that simply looks good, sounds good, and doesn't break the bank, the iKurv is a good pick--which, by the way, will also push composite video from your iPod/iPhone to a TV or monitor.

Steve Jobs was a fan of Dieter Rams of Braun fame.  So is Jonathan Ive, head of Apple's Design team.  I think they would both be proud of the Cdock, which encloses the beloved iPhone 4 but doesn't obstruct the phone's design.  Instead, the Cdock complements the iPhone 4, with several different design options, specifically black, white, brushed aluminum (or as Ive would say "Aluminium") or walnut.  Any of these would look right at home in the Apple store.  Indeed it makes decided hard.

If you're really into 3D games like Galaxy on Fire, Shadow Gun, Dead Space, and Real Racing (and who that owns iPod touch isn't), then you need to check out the mophie pulse, or add it to the holiday gift list for that touch-toting loved one. It not only pumps out stereo volume through tiny L/R speakers embedded on each side of the unit, but serves as a handy gamepad holder and protective case as well. The pulse is not just a great gaming accessory. It turns iPod touch into a mini entertainment center, and I do not exaggerate. Attention iPod touch users, this is a decent sound accessory. Read on for full review and video demo...

Logitech has a ton of accessories for your PC, Mac, and tablets, and it just got bigger with Logitech - Fold-Up Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple® iPad® 2.  Speaking of getting bigger, the keyboard gets bigger, expanding to a full-size touch-typable keyboard.  It's a trick right out of a Transformers' movie and it doesn't get old.  I used it a recent TED conference and my iPad-toting colleagues were appreciative... and jealous.  I even brought it out at a Microsoft Windows Phone event, just for kicks!