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: Spigen SGP

Website: www.spigen.com

Model: Zipack

Price: $59

Compatible: iPad (3rd-Gen)

Spigen SGP Zipack for iPad (3rd-Gen)

Although we're not quite sure if it's fully worth the asking price, Spigen SGP's new Zipack ($59) for the third-generation iPad is, at the very least, a fresh take compared to the many folio-style cases we've been seeing as of late. It's composed of a faux leather exterior and suede-like inner liner, with a zipper running three-quarters of the perimeter from the top left corner back around to the bottom. Inside you'll find two straps to hold the left corners of the iPad in place, and a stand that folds flat when not in use with a tab to hold the tablet in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Company: Acme Mobile Products

Website: www.microstylus.com

Model: MicroStylus Jack

Price: $10

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones, iPod touches

Acme Mobile Products MicroStylus Jack

We've seen plenty of compact styluses, but Acme Mobile Products' new MicroStylus Jack ($10) now takes the crown as the world's smallest touchscreen input device. Measuring just about 3/4" long, it's composed of a rubber capacitive tip and short aluminum stem -- that's it. The appeal here is that the shaft can be inserted into any standard 3.5mm headphone port, meaning there's a higher likelihood you'll have it on you when you need it. MicroStylus Jack comes in black or silver, and two-packs are available for $16, since you might... misplace one given its size.

Company: dreamGear.net LLC

Website: www.Dreamgear.net

Model: i.Sound Twist Speaker

Price: $80

Compatible: All iPads, iPhone/3G/3GS/4S, iPod touch 2G/3G/4G

dreamGEAR i.Sound Twist Speaker

Although we're still waiting on some details, dreamGEAR's iSound Twist Speaker ($80) strikes us as a pretty neat-looking Bluetooth speaker and speakerphone. Measuring 9.75" long, about 2" tall and just a little bit deeper, the twisted bar is hard plastic with a soft touch rubber coating that feels quite nice. Hidden behind the grill on the right are two speakers, with a passive subwoofer behind them. Along the top of the left side are five function buttons arranged in a circle for control of volume, power, pairing, playback, and phone controls, all of which are located next to the microphone port. Turn it around and you'll find a power switch, Mini USB port, and auxiliary port -- cables are included for both. The rechargeable battery promises five hours of continuous playtime.

Company: Griffin Technology

Website: GriffinTechnology.com

Model: MyPhones, MyPhones Earbuds

Price: $15-$25

Compatible: All iPads, iPhones + iPods

Griffin Crayola MyPhones + MyPhones Earbuds

First revealed in January at CES, Griffin and Crayola are now shipping their volume-limiting, kid-friendly MyPhones ($25) and MyPhones Earbuds ($15). The larger of the two is MyPhones, on-the-ear style plastic headphones available in either pink/purple or blue/green. Included in the package are a number of colorful stickers, as well as several blank ones and three markers to color them in, allowing for kids' customization. MyPhones Earbuds come in green, blue, pink, or purple, and are designed to resemble a crayon. The right bud looks like the tip, and the left the tail-end. Each comes with a crayon-shaped case that holds the buds themselves as well as two additional pairs of rubber tips.