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: H2O Audio

Website: www.H2OAudio.com

Model: Amphibx Grip

Price: $60

Compatible: iPod nano 6G, iPod shuffle 2G/4G

H2O Audio Amphibx Grip / Small Armband for iPod shuffle 2G/4G + iPod nano 6G

Luck? Wise planning? We're inclined to say that H2O Audio benefitted at least a little from both with the release of Amphibx Grip ($60, aka Amphibx Small), the first armband that looks as if it was custom-designed to fit the sixth-generation iPod nano. In actuality, this smaller version of the waterproof Amphibx armband we previously reviewed was created to fit the second-generation iPod shuffle with a little extra space above and below its face, but just happens to be perfectly sized to provide access to the display of the new square-screened nano. Accessing the top buttons of the nano will prove a little more tricky, requiring some strategic maneuvering of the armband -- potentially before it's wrapped around your bicep -- but it is possible to activate them and use the screen while the device is inside. This version of Amphibix also has enough room to hold the fourth-generation iPod shuffle, but won't work with the third-generation model due to its lack of integrated buttons. H2O Audio may need to release its own waterproof three-button remote control-equipped headphones to complement this and other armbands it sells; for now, its Surge series of earphones remains the best option for listening to devices wrapped inside of these sturdy, watertight cases.

Company: CableJive

Website: www.Cablejive.com

Model: dockStubz

Price: $23

Compatible: Dock Connecting iPods, iPhones, iPads

CableJive dockStubz

Some cases just don't leave enough space around the Dock Connector to enable you to use your favorite accessories, so CableJive has released dockStubz ($23), a 1.3-inch add-on that's designed to restore the missing functionality. One end has a female Dock Connector, the other a male Dock Connector, so you can plug your iPhone, iPod, or iPad in and connect oversized cables, FM transmitters, and the like without issues -- unless, of course, the device isn't compatible with the accessory in the first place. Even then, CableJive includes a feature that's capable of converting old FireWire charging accessories to be capable of charging USB-only devices. Expensive as a workaround, dockStubz is nevertheless one of the very rare accessories capable of extending Apple's bottom accessory ports.

Company: United SGP

Website: www.SGPstore.com

Model: Ultra Silke R

Price: $20

Compatible: iPhone 4

United SGP Ultra Silke for iPhone 4

Bundled with United SGP's Steinheil screen film, plus film flash diffusers and -- oddly -- an Apple logo protector, Ultra Silke R for iPhone 4 ($20) is a rubber case that's a little stiffer on the back than on the sides, which are soft and just a little floppy for something that's going to go in and out of a pocket. Silver-painted button guards and fairly tight tailored holes are found on the top, bottom, and sides; multiple colors as always are available. We're glad to see that this case breaks with SGP's past trend of Apple logo exposure.

Company: Substrata

Website: www.Substrata.net

Model: Hinged Lid iPad Box

Price: $235

Compatible: iPad (2010)

Substrata Hinged Lid iPad Box

While Substrata's new Hinged Lid iPad Box ($235) isn't the most practical or affordable design we've ever seen, it's certainly one of the most beautiful iPad cases around. Custom made to order by the company's wood artisans, the microsuede-lined Box encloses your iPad inside, optionally holding it in place using two small circular pieces on the device's corners, and closes with a large lid that has two latches on the bottom. The lid enables you to prop the iPad up vertically or horizontally, albeit on very different angles. You choose either to have the iPad's Dock Connector port or headphone port -- one or the other -- exposed when the case is open, while the other is blocked depending on which orientation you've placed the iPad in; volume control access is similarly impaired by the shape of the wood. Apart from those non-trivial issues, the case is so solid and attractively assembled that it's easy to fall in love with on looks alone.