iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. For additional peeks at new iPod accessories, check out our Free iPod + iPhone Book 4 and 2008 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, already available online. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: Case-mate

Website: www.case-mate.com

Model: Privacy Screen Pro

Price: $20

Compatible: iPod touch, iPhone, Other iPods*

Case-Mate Universal Privacy Screen Pro

Introduced as an alternative to clear or mirrored screen protectors, Case-Mate's new Universal Privacy Screen Pro ($20) is a single sheet of transparent black plastic that uses static cling to fit on the screen of your iPhone or iPod, limiting its viewing angle from the sides. Unlike other protectors that are cut specifically to the size of your device, this one comes with a piece of measuring paper that you're supposed to use to cut the protector to the shape of your specific iPod model, though it does fit iPod touch and iPhone screens without modification. A cleaning cloth and application card are also included.

Company: CableJive

Website: www.Cablejive.com

Model: Dock Extender Cable

Price: $36

Compatible: Dock Connecting iPods

CableJive Dock Extender Cable for iPod and iPhone

Two feet in length, the CableJive Dock Extender Cable for iPod and iPhone ($36 direct, available for $40 through RadTech) comes in black or white, and enables you to lengthen an existing cable or certain other accessories rather than connecting them directly to one of Apple's devices. CableJive says that the cable won't pass through S-Video output or audio recording input, but otherwise puts two feet of flexible cable between your iPod/iPhone and a male Dock Connector plug.

Company: Incipio Technologies

Website: www.MyIncipio.com

Model: The Continental

Price: $40

Compatible: Apple Power Adapters

Incipio The Continental Companion Cables for Apple Power Adapters

Designed as an alternative to Apple's international power adapter kit for its own block-style chargers, Incipio's The Continental ($40) offers you a set of four types of wall blades that can transform any iPod or MacBook power adapter into an international travel adapter. Unlike Apple's similar World Travel Adapter Kit, these use cables so that you don't need to block a spare outlet with Apple's power blocks, and you also get a carrying bag for all of the parts. Incipio's Continental set includes only North American, South America, European, UK (3-pin), Japanese, Hong Kong (3-pin), Chinese, Australian, New Zealand, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and African (3-pin) ready plugs, versus Apple's six, more widely compatible ones. Notably, the set does not include a charger -- you provide this part yourself.

Company: Belkin

Website: www.Belkin.com

Model: TuneStudio

Price: $400

Compatible: iPod 5G, iPod classic, iPod nano*

Belkin TuneStudio 4-Channel Mixer for iPod

Originally announced in early 2007 for a projected price of $250, Belkin's high-quality iPod recording accessory TuneStudio ($400) may have jumped in MSRP, but it can now be had for $200 online. Wrapped in an unusually cool industrial design, TuneStudio offers a wall-powered but otherwise portable four-channel mixing board that has the ability to record directly to certain iPods, as well as use them for playback purposes during recording with other devices. The plastic and metal unit's surface actually features 29 different dials, which enable you to independently adjust gain for two XLR microphones, independently set levels, panning, and low/mid/high settings for the four channels, adjust headphone, monitor, and master volume levels, and change mixing, iPod input, USB input, and compressor levels as well. Buttons activate phantom power modes for the microphones, reduction for the compressor, and power for the unit. Balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs are supported on the unit's top, a lock-ready metal ring is found on the left side, and a carrying handle hole is on the right; full-sized headphones can be connected to the unit's bottom port, which Belkin lets you resize for 3.5mm plugs with an included adapter. Cakewalk audio editing software is included in the box for Mac and PC users. One wrinkle: TuneStudio includes adapters for the fifth-generation iPod and iPod classic, not the second- or third-generation iPod nanos, though Belkin notes that they work as well.* A recording menu button on the unit only works with discontinued iPods. [Updated based on compatibility information from Belkin.]