Accessories

It's hard to believe that after all these years, someone could reinvent a USB cable and leave me impressed. But that's exactly what Lander did with its Neve Lightning Cable ($29.99). Lander paid a lot of attention to the pet peeves of most users. The cable is remarkably thin and while I've seen flat cables before and I've seen fabric braided cables before, I've never seen one cable that is both flat and covered with braided fabric. The result is a tangle-free, comfortable cable with an attractive design. It's one of the best lightning cables out there. 

I’m an iPhone case junkie. Instead of changing my purse or nail color, I love finding a new iPhone case to suit my ever-evolving personality. Recently, 1byone sent me its Natural Wood Case for iPhone 6s or 6s Plus ($9.99) with oil painting color. When I requested the item, I was impressed by the low price point, and now that I’m using it, I’m even more satisfied. The case is true to its picture, with beautiful wood grain peaking through the splashes of color.

Funded on Kickstarter, the Canvas Smart Desk ($68) by iSkelter is a gorgeous and functional lap desk for tablets. With notches for your devices carved out, this lap desk is made of beautiful, unstained wood. The Canvas Smart Desk is compatible with all devices, but you’re especially going to want it if you have an iPad Pro. The open slot of the lap desk is cut to fit the iPad Pro perfectly and there’s a slot for the Apple Pencil as well.

I love my devices, and I hate when protecting them makes me look... unstylish. Big bulky cases and thick padded bags aren't what I want to carry around every day; but seriously, you need to protect your devices! They're expensive and so easy to drop. Here are some of my favorite products that I use to protect my devices—thin, protective, and stylish. You don't need to compromise.

It’s amazing the products you find available for the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch when you delve into the Internet rabbit hole. A friend recently sent me to a website called Fancy for finding lesser-known gadgets at good prices. Needless to say, I found a lot of awesome gifts, whether you buy them for friends and family or to treat yourself. Featuring gifts that range from the practical to the whimsical, here’s my roundup of great gifts for the Apple lover in your life.

Every once in a while, a brand comes along that seems to have an entire line of quality products that is perfect for a variety of lifestyles. Moshi is that brand right now. Whether you're a budget traveler or a business traveler, there's something for you in this guide of must-have travel accessories for the iPhone and iPad. 

Before the recently enhanced Apple TV was introduced, rumor sites speculated that Apple might actually make large-screen television sets and embed its Apple TV intelligence into them. I was never a fan of that strategy. TV sets are fragile and bulky, and Apple doesn't need to get into that business. For several years, I have relied on an Epson projector connected to an Apple TV for my home entertainment. I've never looked back since I set up the home theater system. My screen is as large as my wall, which is far bigger than any TV set at Best Buy. I mounted the Epson projector to my wall and painted the screen-side of the wall with a special paint to make the image even better.

If you trust a folio to keep your iPad safe and secure, you want it to be high quality. NewerTech provides peace of mind in various colors with its Original iFolio ($29.99). Made with Brazilian leather, I had a chance to carry one around for awhile to see how I liked it. With built in handle and detachable strap, plus extra cushioned padding, my iPad has been happily snug in its new home.

Review: New iRig Acoustic

By Nate Adcock

Just last weekI wrote a review about the new iRig Pro DUO; and now on the heels of the first dual-channel iRig comes another first: the iRig Acoustic ($49.99). The iRig lineup provides electric guitar players what they could previously only get by shelling out serious cash for guitar gear or expensive mixing software. Now IK is extending the unique plugged-in mobile experience of iRig to acoustic guitar players.

IK Multimedia, maker of many things for the mobile musician, has released a new audio gadget, called the iRig Pro DUO. The normal iRig Pro model, which is plenty cool by the way, does have one minor limitation. You can connect a mic or a guitar, but not both. The iRig Pro DUO ($199 MSRP) addresses this with dual input/output channels that allow you to jam out, record, and mix music from vocals and instrument on your iPad, and it has a few other worthy tricks thrown in for good measure.

I've always admired the RUNNUR bandolier-style messenger bags when I've seen them at various tradeshows. At the recent New York City Comicon, I saw RUNNUR's exhibit and noticed an iPad-specific offering, which I was fortunate enough to try. The Shoulder Sling Case ($60) is a nylon case for an iPad or iPad mini, with the screen exposed for easy access. There are four different D-ring metal loops to connect the included padded strap. There's a handy hand grip that also doubles as a stand.

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