iLounge

Vaja announced today that Innovacases.com is their official European importer and distributor for its product line, including all iPod cases. The new French based website will be completed by the end of September.

iLounger ‘jasonmccabe’ has informed fellow iPodders that the new iTrip for 3G iPods is expected to ship in early September according to an email from Jack C., Tech Support for Griffin Technology.

Marware has finally found a leather manufacturer to produce their CEO Classic 3G design. Their website states that the case is now shipping for $34.95.

“The CEO Classic case offers elegant protection for the iPod on the go. A patented belt clip system offers interchangeable clip options including belt clips, bike and car holders.”

#### the designer and manufacturer of eXo announces Shades, a 1.5mm soft, scratch resistant molded TPU screen protector for the 3rd gen iPod is now available and will be shipped to all distributors and resellers this week from his factory in China. Shades totally covers the screen area and a 1.0mm wide rim fits nicely under the eXo skin. The combination of Shade’s smooth surface contacting the screen and the rim hold it in place, there is no adhesive to mark your screen. The surface between shades and the iPod screen has a 0.5mm space that gently tapers from the center of Shades to the rim. When placed properly you should get little to no ‘wet’ look between Shades and your display.

The Belkin Battery Pack states that it will not charge the iPod, rather it will just provide power to the iPod when you plug it in directly.  I’ve discovered that when you plug the battery pack into the dock, place the iPod on the dock, it will charge your iPod and allow it to function normally as if plugged into the adapter.

Editor’s note: Please click ‘Read more’ for an official comment from Belkin on the above discovery.

XtremeMac has updated their website with information and photos about its new Deluxe iPod case for 3G iPods. The case has a patent pending design feature where the iPod is held in place without anything in the front covering the face of iPod. It also features a large access hole for the headphone/remote ports, and the front flap with Velcro closure can be opened without having to unplug the cable. The Deluxe case comes in Black Leather or Camel Tweed and is available for pre-order at $29.95 (includes belt clip). We asked XtremeMac when the case would ship and the reply was, “Most likely in 2 weeks, but I should know an exact date by tomorrow.” We’ll post an update if and when the ship date is confirmed.

MacMice has released an updated version to its GPerch all aluminum iPod stand. The GPerch stand mimics the design of the yet-to-be-released Apple G5 Mac and now sells for $29.99 (originally $39.99)

Speck Products has announced that their new, all clear FlipStand is now shipping. The new 3G iPod case features a custom dock (works with existing iPod cable that comes with all iPods), doubles as a stand, access to scroll wheel, clear window LCD protection, detachable belt clip, and custom inserts for 10, 15, & 30GB models. The new FlipStand sells for $29.95.

CNET recently posted a list of ‘Ultimate iPod accessories.’ We were familiar with all but one of the items on the list, the Audi-Oh… a “superaccurate massager that connects to your iPod and vibrates to the beat of your music.” It’s not yet available online, but if you’re interested give the company a call.

Booq has announced the release of a new version of its PodPaq case in Nappa leather. PodPaq nappa features pockets for earbuds, Nappa leather, belt clip, removable flip-top lid, access for headphones/charging cable and fits new 3G iPods. The case sells for $49.50 and is now available for shipping.

Today I received my shipment confirmation for my new iSkin eXo for my 3G iPod. The iSkin was supposed to ship a couple weeks ago, but was delayed because of quality control issues with the screen protector at the factory.

Editor’s note: You can also read our review of the Etymotic ER-4S.

The company that brought you MacSkinz for Apple Macintosh G3/G4 and recently announced for 12” iBook laptops, is currently developing iPodSkinz. The ‘Skinz’ are made from form fitting plastic and come in several different designs. No pricing or shipping date is set, but we’ll announce news of iPod Skinz as soon as it becomes available. MacSkinz for 14” iBook and 12” Powerbook are will also be available soon.

The iTrip has been deemed illegal in the UK according to AMMICRO, a UK based reseller.

The Register reports that “Griffin Technologies’ iTrip iPod add-on is illegal in the UK”. It goes on to state that “While its operation in the US is permitted by the Federal Communications Commission, over here the device contravenes the UK Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949. ”

MadsonLine has released a Neoprene waist pack for joggers/bikers and fits all iPod models. The Jogging Pack is on sale at an introductory price of $28.

• Compatible with all model iPods
• Lightweight neoprene construction
• Comfortable & sturdy design
• Velcro strap to hold iPod securely in place
• Designed & manufactured in Germany

The Think Different Store wanted to clear up some rumors that have been floating around about the shipping of the eXo iSkins. Currently they are shipping the following colors (Click ‘Read more’) without the screen protectors. The screen protectors will be shipped separately sometime in August. New colors will be shipping each week.

I received an email today that the naviPod wireless remote is shipping, though the website remains “Preorder, shipping July.”

Vaja has officially released information on its new leather Classic cases for 3G iPods. Featuring snap closure, screen protector, interior storage slot (for credit cards, license, etc.), and an all access design, the flip-top cases are available in two different exterior styles. Models 669 and 667 fit 30GB iPods while the 668 and 665 models fit 10/15GB iPods. Visit the website for information on custom built orders and complete pricing.

Vaja has announced to iLounge that they will release their new Classic case for 3G iPods tomorrow. The Classic leather case features a flip-lid design, access to all iPod functions, screen protector, snap closure, and comes in two models for 10/15GB and 30GB. Both models retail for $54.90 and can be purchased tomorrow, Thursday, July 24.