I need to take off my iPhonelife hat for a minute to talk about this vendor's products. In my other life, I build and design computer systems, some of which are deployed to hostile locations (I have on occasion had to deploy along with them). Pelican is a name I have trusted for a long time to protect sensitive computer equipment, and so I was pleased to learn they have an iPod/iPhone line of cases.

Do you have a small business or side job where you take cash only?  Do your customers ask if you take credit?  Do they look disappointed when you don't?

This is an excellent find for all moms (or dads) that are small business owners:

• Hair dressers
• Masseuses
• Craft fair booths
• PTA Presidents
• School fairs
• Painter
• Gardener
• Landscaper
• Car washer
• Girl/Boy Scout packs
• Tutors
• Nannies
• Farmer's Market
• Carnivals
• Chiropractor
• Handyman
• Auto mechanic
• Caterer
• CES Booth (for 2 year subscriptions specials)
• Freelancers
• Contractors
• Nail Salons
• Cabbies
• Local Tour Guides

Those are just off the top of my head (and my husbands).

mophie marketplace�

Availability: Coming Soon

The mophie marketplace is a magnetic Strip Reader for iPhone 3G & 3GS

Turn your iPhone in to a mobile payment solution that is fast, secure and ready to go wherever you go.
The mophie marketplace is a light-weight, form-fitting, intelligent case solution for any merchant
looking to drive their sales further. And be sure to let customers know that they are secure as their
card data is encrypted as it is swiped.

�    Cost effective and works with most merchant accounts.
�    Sync your account information and charge the iPhone via micro USB port.
�    Designed to pair with the mophie marketplace App (Only at the App Store)

features

Mobile Payment Solution
Cost effective and works with most merchant accounts.

No-Slip Grip and Soft-Touch Rubberized Finish
protective form-fitting case all in an ultra-thin, light-weight, low-profile design.

Pass-through USB
Sync your account information and charge the iPhone via micro USB port.

App Store
Designed to pair with the mophie marketplace App (Only at the App Store)

http://www.mophie.com/product-p/1113_mp-ip3g-blk.htm

CES is chock full of iPhone accessory products, and I would like to promote some of the smaller vendors out here at the show. By the way, if you are attending CES, just about all the cool iPhone related stuff like this is located in the North Hall (including our own booth at 4642). It would take a while to post on each indivdual product, so I 'm going to have to lump them together. In this post, I'll talk about several iPhone accessory products (earbuds, cases, a solar charger, etc.) you might want to check out. I'll swing round later and review a few of them more fully. The first 2 are earbud headphones for your touch or iPhone. Read on for the details...

I have always wanted a pair of these Vusix Vid-ware thingamabobs, and then I always talk myself out of splurging on what I consider a frivolous item. Then I tried some similar models before X-Mas at Brookstone and wasn't all that impressed, but today I might finally be convinced to get me some. I was able to try out their latest models (Wrap 920), with a 67" (at 10 feet), clear display...even in 3-D! It was really pretty amazing, and darnnit, I now again have the Vusix bug. Of course they work with my iPod touch (or an iPhone), so now what excuse am I going to use not to get some, huh?

This little speaker system from DGA has some really incredible output, so I agreed to mention it in our blog coverage at least. These guys were streaming live at the show, came by our booth and gave us a quick demo of it (called Livespeakr). I totally apologize (for reals) on the camera work in the video that is embedded after the break. The wavering camera was not on purpose, I assure you, especially with my wife standing right next to me the whole time...

Action shots below...

I have used a Parrot Bluetooth Car Kit for a number of years, so I was a little surprised to see their latest product.
Their AR.Drone is a departure from Bluetooth accessories they are known for, but it is indeed an accessory for the iPhone.
 

The best way to describe this item is a combination of those helicopters you see in shopping mall kiosks and an unmanned predator drone!
 

The unit can be controlled by an iPhone or iPod touch, just by tilting.

For several years, various vendors have used CES to demonstrate wireless charging prototypes. This past year, however, was the year these technologies started to become commercially available. BestBuy even has several examples for sale, for phones and video game controllers. Palm has been promoting the Pre's induction charging as a competitive advantage.

With wireless charging, you just place your gadget on a pad and it starts charging! It's a great concept but in practice, there have been drawbacks. For starters, you have a limited set of devices and compatible cases to choose from.

The iPhone has many advanced features, but it is missing one item that was prevalent on PDA's in the past, and that is an Infrared interface. Older devices like an iPaq had this standard and it allowed you to use the device as a remote control.
 

Several firms have stepped up to fill in this gap, with a combination IR transmitter that plugs into the iPhone or iPod touch dock connector, and a corresponding app to control the transmitter.