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: Satechi

Website: www.satechi.net

Model: uCharger Hi-Speed USB Charging Adaptor

Price: $16

Compatible: All iPads, iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S/5, iPod touch

Satechi uCharger Hi-Speed USB Charging Adaptor

Satechi's uCharger Hi-Speed USB Charging Adaptor ($16) presents an interesting concept: it claims to increase the charging speeds of iPads and iPhones when used as a passthrough connected to a computer's USB port. While the mechanics behind it are somewhat complex, it essentially allows the port to output more power than it normally does. From the explanation we've been provided, it seems the solution is aimed at PCs; modern Macs already power iPads at full-speed. Our review unit came to us noticeably dirty, but otherwise in fine shape.

Company: Incipio

Website: www.Myincipio.com

Model: LGND

Price: $20

Compatible: iPhone 5

Incipio NGP for iPhone 5

Whenever a new iPhone is released, an updated version of Incipio's NGP ($20) is never far behind; the iPhone 5 is no exception. The newest version of the company's colorful semi-rigid case maintains the same matte texture we've appreciated in the past, but its looks have been updated to fit in with the rest of Incipio's iPhone 5 lineup, including a glossy stripe across the back. This one-piece case easy wraps around the body of the iPhone, protecting its exterior buttons while leaving openings for the ports on the bottom. The gray, purple, pink, or black case comes with screen film, a cloth, and an applicator card.

Company: Incipio

Website: www.Myincipio.com

Model: Plex Self-Healing

Price: $16

Compatible: iPhone 5

Incipio Plex Self-Healing Screen Film for iPhone 5

Incipio now has a full line of screen films under the Plex name, including this self-healing option for the iPhone 5 ($16). Coming as a single sheet in a flat envelope, it ships with a microfiber cleaning cloth and an applicator card. Rather than precision cut holes around the openings on the front of the iPhone, the film has a trapezoidal opening at the top for the earpiece, FaceTime camera, and sensors, as well as a scoop at the bottom for the Home button. "Self healing" means the film can automatically repair itself after small scratches.

Company: Targus

Website: www.Targus.com

Model: iNotebook

Price: $180

Compatible: All iPads

Targus iNotebook for iPad

Despite its appearance, Targus' iNotebook ($180) isn't actually a case for the iPad. Packed inside the surprisingly elegant fabric and leather folio is a notebook with a sensor above it, used to wirelessly transmit your traditional pen-based writing and drawings to your tablet. This is accomplished through a free app available in the App Store, and by using the included special Bluetooth pen. Targus states that you don't have to use special paper; iNotebook will work with any A5 or 8" x 5" paper. The sensor and pen are both charged with an included dual-head Mini-USB cable, and you also get two replacement pen tips; the pen cap doubles as a stylus.