Article
First Looks: Belkin Dock, Tekkeon FM, and Kroo Cases
Some of the newest accessory arrivals at iLounge include:
iPod shuffle
Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub - Click Here for Details
This surprise introduction from Belkin improves upon Apple’s iPod shuffle Dock (iLounge rating: B) by adding three more USB ports and a power cube for the same price.
Kroo Leather Case for iPod shuffle - Click Here for Details
This new Soho case from new iPod case maker Kroo uses nice-looking leather and a design similar (but not identical) to the Pods Plus leather case we’ve previously reviewed.
iPod mini
Kroo Leather Cases for iPod mini - Click Here for Details
These three new fashionable case designs called Soho, Laguna, and Pouch (one with belt clip/no belt clip options) use nice-looking leather and hold iPod minis inside.
Full-Sized iPods
Tekkeon MyPower FM - Click Here for Details
This new FM transmitter add-on connects to the bottom of Tekkeon’s popular MyPower battery pack, giving you a fully portable radio broadcasting solution that doesn’t drain your iPod’s power.
We’ll have plenty more to say on these new iPod accessories in the days to come - and there are some other surprises in store, too. Check out last week’s Biggest Ever First Looks feature at this link for previews of 15 other new iPod accessories. And if you’re looking for more information and pictures for upcoming iPod accessories, be sure to check out our free downloadable 2005 Buyers’ Guide, available now!
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1
Belkin hubs have been versatile and useful in the past. Personally I’d look for Griffin to come out with something like this. Their four port hub has long been the high end standard for digital information and they already have the means to make FireWire cables for iPod. This would be a no brainer for them and their hub would have slightly higher quality in using the other ports to input digital files, including mp3 etc. Their hub does cost a bit more but in my experience is the best four port hub on the market and I’ve tried four or five.
OTOH, kudos to Belkin to be the first with a product like this for Shuffle. Many users, Windows or Mac, need those other three regular USB 2.0 ports anyway. Looks like a good investment to me (Belkin) based on good (but not as good as Griffin) experience with conventional USB 1.1 and 2.0 hubs.
Posted by glockster in U.S. on April 26, 2005 at 4:47 PM (PDT)
2
Whohoo! Another power brick.
I wish someone would think outside the box on hubs and find a way around AC adapters.
Posted by Gordy. in Atlanta, GA on April 27, 2005 at 6:37 AM (PDT)
3
They could make the USB hubs a little bigger and include the power supply inside the hub itself, then you’d just have a simple cable to plug into your AC outlet.
That or Battery which would also make the hubs bigger.
I don’t think there is a way around the fact that the devices you plug in need power.
Posted by croooow in Fairfax, VA on April 27, 2005 at 10:05 AM (PDT)
4
If you ask me, LAPTOPS should even be bigger and include the AC adapter (swappable for travel maybe) inside. Complete with retractable cord.
Yes, my PowerBook would be bulkier and heavier then. But it’s not like I can avoid carrying that bulk and weight, so at least don’t make me have to “gather the parts” when I’m ready to go.
Posted by Nagromme on April 28, 2005 at 10:29 AM (PDT)
5
What about a swapable power brick/battery. That way you only have to carry one or the other. If you aren’t going to plug in you just attach the battery to the laptop and go. If you are only going to plug in, you just bring along the adapter. Worst case scenario (which is the same as the situation right now) is you have to bring both if you are unsure or need to be able to recharge the battery.
Posted by purplestallion in Dallas, Texas on April 28, 2005 at 3:23 PM (PDT)