iLounge

First Looks

Company: FastMac

Model: iV

Price: $100

Compatible: iPhone

FastMac iV - Sneak Peek

Billed as a custom-molded case and battery pack for the iPhone, FastMac's upcoming iV ($100) steps way beyond previously announced iPhone batteries -- and, in fact, most other iPhone accessories we've seen. The built-in power cell, selected by FastMac's experienced battery engineers and based upon the same charging technology found in the iPod touch, promises to triple the iPhone's battery life. Then there's the built-in iPhone camera flash (!), a speaker amplifier and a rotating belt clip that detaches or doubles as a video viewing stand. Impressively, iV has been molded to fit into a standard iPhone dock for simultaneous recharging of itself and the iPhone, and even includes a pass-through USB port so that you can connect your Bluetooth headset for charging at the same time. iV will be available for purchase starting at Macworld Expo this month.