iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod, iPhone and iPad accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: Uzibull

Website: www.Uzibull.com

Model: Ekto2 + Flex

Price: $40-$75

Compatible: iPad 2

Uzibull Ekto2 + Flex Case System for iPad 2

Sold separately or as a set, Uzibull's new Ekto2 case ($40) and Flex system ($75) give iPad 2 users a variety of options for protecting and carrying their tablets. Ekto2 is an unusually thick silicone case that can be used alone on the iPad 2, protecting its most fragile edges with a substantial quantity of rubber. The Flex set includes an Ekto2, and adds a hard plastic frame and collection of attachments. When put together on an iPad 2, Flex provides a internal structure with rigid holes for various included add-ons, and Ekto2 is then placed atop Flex for substantial device protection. Two hard plastic inserts let you use Flex with a fabric and metal arm strap, while a circular central camera tripod mount converts to add a rotating hand strap as needed. You'll need to supply the tripod yourself if you want to use one with the iPad 2; the metal-lined screw hole is compatible with popular tripods. While the hard plastic selected by Uzibull is fittingly thin, the Ekto2 silicone body is one of the biggest we've seen, for better and/or worse depending on your intended use of the iPad 2 inside. No screen protection is included in either of the packages.

Company: Twelve South

Website: www.Twelvesouth.com

Model: HoverBar

Price: $80

Compatible: iPad 2

Twelve South HoverBar for iPad 2

The name's cool. The idea's cool. And the execution? Well, it's pretty cool, too. Twelve South's new HoverBar ($80) is a unique new mounting solution for the iPad 2: a heavy-duty but flexible gooseneck pipe that attaches to the leg of an iMac, Cinema Display, or Thunderbolt Display, enabling you to keep an Apple tablet floating well above the surface of a desk -- off to the side of the computer's screen. The kit includes not only the hard plastic iPad 2-holding frame, but also the pipe and an Allen-wrench-tightened clamp for attaching the mount to your display; you can alternately open the clamp to wider positions if you want to mount the iPad directly on a desk, under a cabinet, or on another surface. We'll be testing HoverBar to see how stable it is in various positions next to a computer; it's worth noting that the iPad 2 holder has no space to accommodate cases.

Company: FLOS

Website: www.FLOS.com

Models: D’E-light

Prices: $396

Compatible: iPads, iPhones, Most Dock Connecting iPods

FLOS / Philippe Starck D’E-light

When Philippe Starck is involved in designing anything -- hotels, restaurants, furniture, or watches, to name just a few of his endeavors -- we take notice, so FLOS's new Starck-designed D'E-light ($396) is obviously of major interest to our editors. While D'E-light isn't the only tabletop lamp with an integrated iPod/iPhone dock, it's the first we've seen with iPad docking compatibility, thanks to Starck's decision to mount Apple's devices above the light bar rather than at desktop level. The Dock Connector is on the short and inflexible side, limiting D'E-light's compatibility with cases, but bare iPads, iPhones, and iPods fit just fine and actually look pretty gorgeous atop the angular, chrome-finished lamp. Made from aluminum with chrome plating, D'E-light has a 2700K flat panel light inside capable of 299 lumens, as well as 2.1-Amp charging support for full-speed iPad, iPhone, and iPod refueling. A cool capacitive touch sensor on the right lets you turn the lamp on and off, as well as gently adjusting the brightness. It's a beautiful design, apart from the lack of case compatibility.

Company: Incase

Website: www.GoIncase.com

Models: Sports Armband Deluxe

Price: $45

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Incase Sports Armband Deluxe for iPhone 4/4S

It's been a while since we've seen a unique take on the armband-style case for the iPhone 4/4S, but that's exactly what Incase has brought to the table with Sports Armband Deluxe ($45). Unlike others, this armband doesn't have a permanently attached pocket for holding the iPhone. Rather, it's made up of two pieces: an elastic, breathable armband and a flexible rubber case that attaches to it with a plastic clip. The case wraps around the body of the device, covering the buttons but leaving the screen completely exposed. Although its main use is to connect to the armband, the clip can also be hooked onto a bag or belt, or the case can be used completely on its own.