iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod and iPhone accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. For additional peeks at new accessories, check out our Free iPod + iPhone Book 4 and 2009 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, already available online. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: SDI Technologies/iHome

Website: www.iHomeaudio.com

Model: iHM79

Price: $50

Compatible: All iPods, iPhones Except iPod shuffle 3G

iHome iHM79 Rechargeable Mini Speakers

As a sequel to the earlier iHM77, dome-shaped, magnetic portable speakers that formed an oversized pill when stuck together for travel and then transformed into rechargeable satellites when placed on a desk, iHM79 ($50) uses an updated design with slanted, metal-grilled speakers that promise improved sound. With rechargeable batteries inside, each speaker has its own power switch, and when they're chained together with an included hybrid audio and mini-USB charging cable -- improved in cord management from the prior version -- they offer a very substantial boost in volume over the internal speakers of iPhones, iPod touches, and iPod nanos. iHM79 is packaged with a drawstring bag that makes the cables and speakers easier to carry together.

Company: Bowers & Wilkins

Website: www.Bowers-wilkins.com

Model: Zeppelin Mini

Price: $399

Compatible: iPod 4G, 5G, classic, mini, nano, touch, iPhone, iPhone 3G/3GS

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini

Like you, we've seen the official photographs of Bowers & Wilkins' new speaker system Zeppelin Mini ($399) but didn't know exactly what to expect from the unit in size, shape, or audio performance. Surprise: while Zeppelin Mini's interestingly mirrored top surface sort of preserves the elongated football shape of the original Zeppelin, it trades the double-conical body for a very considerably smaller curved housing that is far easier to squeeze into whatever space you may have on a bookshelf or desk. Volume and power buttons have been relocated from the top to an inconspicuous location on the bottom right edge, and the power/input indicator light has been shrunk and moved to a dead center position below the dock and just above the system's chromed base. Added to the prior design is a rotating iPod/iPhone dock with interchangeable device-holding plastic frames, and the Zeppelin's egg-shaped black and chrome remote control's been ever-so-slightly tweaked to replace the B&W logo on back with the full Bowers & Wilkins name, and add a finger depression for easier gripping. The back loses the video-out functionality of Zeppelin but preserves the auxiliary input and USB ports, as well as a distinctive vent for bass -- the cloth-covered drivers have been cut down and "Tone Control" removed from the iPod or iPhone's sound options, as well. A full review will follow soon, but it suffices for this First Look to note that Zeppelin Mini is another great example of "speaker as art," with its price premium attributable to its highly distinctive looks.

Company: United SGP

Website: www.SGPstore.com

Model: Neo Hybrid

Price: $27

Compatible: iPhone 3G, 3GS

United SGP Neo Hybrid for iPhone 3G/3GS

This new case, Neo Hybrid ($27), consists of a soft rubber rear shell with a glossy hard plastic front bezel shield, two types of screen protection -- anti-glare and crystal clear -- and a cleaning cloth. The use of rubber enables United SGP to cover the side and top buttons of the iPhone 3G and 3GS, while leaving the headphone port and bottom of the iPhones a little pliable; the company also sells replacement front frames individually so you can customize the case's look after purchase. Beware, however, of extremely aggravating customer service problems with United SGP reported by a reader, which lead us to wonder whether it's worth the potential hassle of ordering these products despite their appeal.

Company: xGear

Website: www.xGearlive.com

Model: Screen Protector

Price: $TBD

Compatible: iPhone 3G/3GS

xGear Printed Image Screen Protector

This iPhone 3G/3GS screen protector ($TBD) places skull artwork and an artistic pattern in the normally black areas above and below the iPhone's screen, where proximity and ambient light sensors are located; at least one other art pattern is also going to be available. xGear will apparently offer matching unlock screen wallpaper to go along with the screen protector. A cleaning cloth is also included.

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