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: IK Multimedia

Website: www.IKmultimedia.com

Model: iRig MIC Cast

Price: $40

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

IK Multimedia iRig MIC Cast for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad

It's been a while since we've seen a new headphone port-mounted miniature microphone accessory for Apple's devices, so IK Multimedia's new iRig MIC Cast ($40) caught our attention: the silver-grilled and black plastic accessory includes a unidirectional mic that promises "crystal clear sound with no background noise," using a switch to toggle between high and low gain settings. Unlike prior accessories of this sort, iRig MIC Cast comes with a highly portable stand to keep your device in an optimal position to record audio, and a free iRig Recorder app can be used to manage recordings if you don't want to use Apple's Voice Memos app.

Company: Cooler Master

Website: www.Coolermaster-usa.com

Models: Arc

Price: $TBD

Compatible: All iPads, MacBook Pro

Cooler Master Arc MacBook Pro + iPad Stand

Yes, it's a little unusual: Cooler Master's new Arc ($TBD) is the first stand we've seen marketed towards both MacBook Pro and iPad users, relying on a combination of glossy black plastic, soft gray rubber, and metal to hold either a thick laptop or a thin iPad on a desk. The idea is apparently that you'll either place your MacBook Pro inside the larger, wider groove and leave it next to your computer, upright, or slot your iPad into the smaller, thinner groove to look at it on a recline; you can't use both at once, and it only permits modest adjustment of the iPad. White or black glossy plastic versions will be available through the Apple Store; pricing has not yet been announced.

Company: SwitchEasy

Website: www.switcheasy.com

Models: Pelle

Price: $TBD

Compatible: iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen)

SwitchEasy Pelle for iPad (3rd-Gen) + iPad 2

New and somewhat interestingly spun off of SwitchEasy's earlier folio-style iPad cases, Pelle ($TBD) combines the look of a leather case with a hard plastic iPad holding shell, and a unique metal stand feature. The metal stand support pops out of the lid, reinforcing it when it's bent and used to recline the iPad for video viewing. Pelle can also be tilted into a typing stand position. Each of the five colors includes headphone port and Dock Connector port covers, a screen protector, cleaning cloth, and installation card; two of the colors are pastel-like with crystallized stands, and three are darker with polished metal stands.

Company: SwitchEasy

Website: www.switcheasy.com

Models: Exec

Price: $TBD

Compatible: iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen)

SwitchEasy Exec for iPad (3rd-Gen) + iPad 2

As one of two new folio-style iPad cases from SwitchEasy, Exec ($TBD) uses a combination of shiny, canvas-like fabric on the outside, microfiber on the inside, and hard plastic as an iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen) holder. The iPad holder folds in half with a push of your finger, enabling the tablet to be switched into multiple viewing angles, each secured with ridges inside the front cover. SwitchEasy includes headphone port and Dock Connector port covers, a screen protector, cleaning cloth, and installation card in the package; five colors are available.