iPad + iPad mini Buyers Guide

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Amzer intros Foldo stand for iPad

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Amzer has introduced its Foldo Universal Tablet Stand for the iPad and other tablet computers. The Foldo features support to multiple viewing angles, non-skid pads for secure footing, the ability to hold a device in either portrait or landscape orientation with or without a case, and a lightweight design that folds up for added portability. Amzer’s Foldo Univeral Tablet Stand for the iPad is available now and sells for $17.

2011 CES Day 1 Wrap-Up: Dexim, Griffin, iSkin, LuxMobile, Westone + More

We’ve posted hundreds of photographs from the 2011 CES today, showing off some of the over 200 Apple-focused exhibitors within the iLounge Pavilion in addition to other exhibitors located elsewhere at the world’s largest consumer technology trade show. Additionally, we’ve just posted individual exhibitor-specific reports for a large number of companies, including some of the most interesting booths we’ve visited so far:

Andon Health
Cervantes Mobile
DBEST/MKW
Dexim
Engender
Griffin Technology
iChair
iDapt
Innovelis
iSkin
Ivyskin
Kioky
LuxMobile
M-EDGE
Mophie
Other World Computing
Skech
Speakal
VentureCraft
Westone
Xshot

We’ll have many more to add this evening and over the course of the next several days—keep watching for all the details!

iPad 2 Body Spotted at iLounge Pavilion?

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A rear shell purportedly from the second-generation iPad has been spotted at the 2011 International CES within the iLounge Pavilion. The shell, which has been marked by developer Gopod Mobile with “iPad 2” and “128GB” logos that would not appear on the actual device, is being shown paired with an iPad 2-specific foldable rechargeable battery pack developed by the company, and depicts the revised device’s redesigned curves, ports, and cameras; it is said by Gopod to represent the actual appearance of the as-yet-unreleased thinner and slightly smaller iPad. Three full-sized photos follow; additional photos can be seen in our 2011 CES Photo Gallery.

2011 CES: Day 1 photo gallery posted, growing

Day one of the 2011 International CES is now underway, and iLounge’s editors have been canvassing the show floor checking out all of the latest Apple gear from hundreds of vendors. Our latest photographs are being added en masse to our 2011 CES + iLounge Pavilion Photo Gallery, and we’re in the process of building individual exhibitor listings and show reports to share with you: you’ll be able to find individual booth reports and photos on the left hand column of our CES mini-site.

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There will be much, much more to share over the next several days. If you’re attending CES, drop by iLounge’s booth for free goodies from Gelaskins, Speck, Just Mobile, and iLounge—including an iPad giveaway, full-body stickers, a limited edition stylus giveaway, and cases—plus a daily Happy Hour from 2pm to 5pm. We look forward to seeing you here, and sharing as much as possible with you through our mini-site!

Mophie outs Powerstand for iPad, Pulse for iPod touch

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Mophie has outed its new Powerstand charging stand for the iPad, as well as its new Pulse gaming case for the fourth-generation iPod touch. The Powerstand is made from aluminum, and features a dual-axis hinge design that allows users to rotate the iPad while adjusting to a variety of viewing angles, an integrated 2.1mAh wall charger, an included USB cable for computer-based charging and syncing, an LED status indicator, and a foldable design for travel. Also new is the Pulse gaming case for the fourth-generation iPod touch, which features Reflex haptic technology to offer gamers shake, vibrate, and pulse feedback, front-facing stereo speakers for improved audio, a textured grip, a pass-through USB port for charging and syncing while in the case, and open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, save for the Dock Connector. The Mophie Powerstand for iPad and Pulse case for the fourth-generation iPod touch will be available in the first quarter of 2011; pricing has yet to be announced.

Dexim: New case is not for iPad 2, despite reports

A new slim-line iPad keyboard and case combination product shown last night is not for the second-generation iPad, a representative for Dexim told iLounge today, contradicting widely circulated reports filed last night. “They just posted it to create buzz,” said Dexim’s Sam Habbar about the first-generation iPad case, saying that he has been unable to get media outlets to retract the claims, which stated that the unusually thin accessory set was for the rumored smaller version of the iPad.

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The keyboard portion of the case, shown here, is claimed to be the thinnest Bluetooth keyboard available, packing wireless and battery hardware inside a leather-like shell that can be held alongside an iPad. It’s amongst many new accessories Dexim will be showing starting at the 2011 CES tomorrow.

Native Union outs MM03i, MM04 Bluetooth Telephones

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Native Union has outed its new Moshi Moshi MM03i and MM04 Wireless Bluetooth Telephones. Like the company’s prior MM03 Bluetooth telephone accessory, the MM03i is a wireless Bluetooth accessory that enables users to their iPhones like a traditional handset thanks to a more substantial wireless handset. It features an integrated iPhone charging dock on the base, Bluetooth 2.1 with multi-point capabilities, a noise reduction system for the handset’s microphone, and an included wall adapter, USB cable for computer-based charging and international wall blades. It will sell for $150. The MM04i goes beyond the MM03i’s feature set by offering a retractable dock, the ability to act as a Bluetooth speaker and a wireless telephone handset, a silver honeycomb design on the top handset/speaker, a black soft touch rubber base for charging when not in use, Bluetooth 2.1, an attached auxiliary input cable, and included wall adapter with international charging plates. It will sell for $200; Native Union’s Moshi Moshi MM03i is available now, while availability for the MM04i Wireless Bluetooth Telephones has yet to be determined.

Sneak peek: Photos of 2011 International CES Show Floor

In addition to our early photo gallery of the iLounge Pavilion at CES, we’ve just posted a collection of early photographs from the rest of the CES show floor. The gallery now notably includes a collection of cool new MacBook Air cases from Speck, as well as 2011 Special Editions, amongst looks at a handful of other notable booths at CES. Of course, we’ll be adding many more photos to this gallery over the days to come.

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Bookmark our 2011 CES site today and enjoy the next several days of updates, live from CES!

Sneak peek: Photos of 2011 CES iLounge Pavilion

We’ve just posted a photo gallery of the 2011 CES iLounge Pavilion, home to over 200 vendors of iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac products. Now over an acre in size and featuring brand new innovations from leading developers including Griffin, Scosche, Etymotic, iSkin, and many more people, the Pavilion is the largest dedication exhibition area at the 2011 CES, and already looking amazing. We’ll be adding many more photos to this gallery over the days to come, and you’ll be able to look at individual exhibitors’ listing pages on our 2011 CES site (ilounge.com/ces) to see photos and details of their booths and new releases.

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Bookmark the 2011 CES site today and enjoy the next several days of updates, live from CES!

Griffin debuts range of accessories at CES

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Griffin Technology has debuted a wide range of accessories for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad at the 2011 International CES. The RoadTrip HandsFree is the latest version of Griffin’s in-car solution, offering a flexible mounting arm for the iPod and iPhone, a built-in FM transmitter, SmartScan automatic station discovery, user-programmable presets, tactile remote control buttons, a built-in microphone, and Bluetooth handsfree functionality that allows users to receive and play calls over the auto’s speakers even if a different device is occupying the built-in dock. RoadTrip HandsFree will be available this month and will sell for $100. The BlueTrip DualConnect is another handsfree in-car solution, featuring a small stem that plugs into a 12 volt accessory power outlet, and the choice between broadcasting music via the built-in FM transmitter or playing audio through the car’s AUX port. Other features include Bluetooth for audio streaming and telephony, and a built-in microphone. The BlueTrip DualConnect will be available in the first quarter and will sell for $100. The Beacon Universal Remote is a tabletop accessory that pairs with users’ iOS devices over Bluetooth, allowing for remote control—via Dijit’s Universal Remote App—of TVs, cable boxes, and other home entertainment components. The Beacon Universal Remote will be available in May and will sell for $80.

imageThe Arrowhead is a two-piece mobile stand for the iPad and other tablet devices. Compatible with most cases, the Arrowhead consistes of two weighted “feet” that provide a stable platform and feature no-skid pads on the bottom and top, support for portrait or landscape orientations, and internal magnets to hold the two pieces together when not in use. Griffin’s Arrowhead stand for the iPad and other tablets will be available in the first quarter and will sell for $20. The Xpo is also a tablet stand, featuring a folding design, padded non-slip surfaces for a secure grip, the ability to hold a tablet in horizontal or vertical orientation, and a low-inclined holding angle for text input. The Xpo will be available in the first quarter and will sell for $30. Finally, the Wedge is yet another stand option for the iPad and other tablets, featuring aluminum construction, foldable design, included storage sheath, padded, non-slip bottom and cradle surfaces, the ability to lock into three different positions, and a flip-out foot grip for added stability. The Wedge will also be available in the first quarter and will sell for $40.

Ten One Fling adds tactile game control to iPad

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Ten One Design has introduced Fling, its new tactile game controller for iPad. Fling is a transparent, flexible accessory that attaches to the iPad’s screen via suction cups, and gives users the tactile sensation of a joystick. According to the company, users simply launch an app with a directional pad or virtual joystick, secure Fling over the control area, and place their thumb on the center control. Other features include a microfiber carrying bag and one of three accent colors. Ten One Design’s Fling tactile game controller for iPad is now available for pre-order and is expected to ship by the end of January for $25.

Joby intros GorillaMobile Ori, Yogi for iPad

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Joby has introduced its new GorillaMobile Ori and GorillaMobile Yogi accessories for the iPad. The GorillaMobile Ori is a protective case with a unique folding design that allows it to double as a versatile stand. It features four main viewing modes—for both vertical and horizontal use—as well as aluminum/polypropylene construction and open access to all ports and controls. It sells for $80. The GorillaMobile Yogi is a flexible mount, featuring oversized ball and socket legs that allow it to wrap around a variety of surfaces, serve as a basic stand, and offer a variety of viewing angles in both vertical and horizontal orientation. The legs attach to a polycarbonate case with a rubber bumper and open access to all ports and controls; the legs can also be removed for travel. The GorillaMobile Yogi for iPad sells for $50; both the Ori and Yogi are available now.

Griffin outs CarTrip auto accessory for iOS

Griffin Technology has outed its new CarTrip automotive accessory for iOS devices. Combining an accessory with a dedicated app is the CarTrip, a Bluetooth monitor that plugs into an automobile’s OBD-II port, allowing for the reporting and recording of data from the car’s on-board computer. When used with the companion CleanDrive app, users can monitor the car’s performance, including metrics like fuel consumption, acceleration, and top speed, and can also see diagnostic codes sent by the computer, allowing for troubleshooting of indicator lights. Other features include an SD card slot for additional data storage and a “Carbon Score” display inside the app that gives drivers an easy-to-understand readout of how their driving habits are affecting their vehicle’s environmental impact. CarTrip will be available in the first quarter of 2011 and will sell for $90; CleanDrive will also be available in Q1 and will be a free download from the App Store.

Griffin, Crayola team on ColorStudio HD for iPad

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Griffin Technology, in partnership with Crayola, has announced the new Crayola ColorStudio HD. The ColorStudio HD is a new accessory + app combination consisting of an iPad-friendly, AA battery-powered digital stylus called the Crayola iMarker, and the Crayola ColorStudio HD app for the iPad. Together, they allow young artists to color and interact with special “live” animated coloring book pages, while automatically differentiating between the child’s input; printing is available from within the app on devices running iOS 4.2 or later, and favorite works can also be shared via e-mail or Facebook. The Crayola ColorStudio HD solution will be available in Spring 2011 and will sell for $30.

Speakal unveils new speakers for iPod, iPhone

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Speakal has unveiled its new lineup of speakers for the iPod and iPhone. The SBPKX-100 is a portable speaker system featuring a colorable LED light behind the front-mounted dock, DSP audio processing, an AM/FM alarm clock with 20 user presets, an LCD clock with iPhone/iPod clock synchronization, and the ability to run off wall power or AA batteries. The SB 12 is a tall, rounded system featuring touch controls and a front-mounted dock, while the iExecutive is a long speaker system featuring a top-mounted dock, a 20W subwoofer for added low-end response, an SD card slot, USB port, and Bluetooth for expanded audio playback options, an alarm clock, a radio with 20 user presets, and a video output. The Kurve is a tubular sound dock offering 20W of total power, a centrally-positioned dock, and an integrated LED with four levels of brightness. Finally, the SB5 is an oval-shaped speaker with a unique front grill pattern, a top-mounted dock, Bluetooth audio capabilities, and 27W of total output. Speakal’s new speakers for the iPod and iPhone are expected to be available later this year; pricing has yet to be announced.

MiLi shows MiLi HD dock for iPod, iPhone, iPad

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MiLi Power is showing its new MiLi HD docking station at the 2011 International CES. Compatible with the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, the MiLi HD features a top-mounted universal dock, a built-in Hi-Fi speaker, a “1080i” HDMI output, a mini-USB port, charging capabilities, and a one-year warranty. MiLi Power’s new MiLi HD docking station for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad will sell for $100; a release date has yet to be announced.

Breffo rolls out Spiderpodium Tablet for iPad

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Breffo has rolled out its new Spiderpodium Tablet flexible stand for the iPad and other tablet devices. Like the company’s prior Spiderpodium for the iPod, iPhone, and other handheld devices, the Spiderpodium Tablet is a flexible stand/cradle, consisting of eight flexible notched “legs” that allow it to hang from, secure itself to, or seat itself on a variety of surfaces, with a hole in the body to allow pass-through of the iPad’s charger. It also offers compatibility with encased devices and a folding design for travel. Breffo’s Spiderpodium Tablet for iPad and other tablet devices will be available January 12; pricing has yet to be announced.

iHealth intros Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS

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iHealth Lab has introduced its new iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS. The Monitor itself is a white plastic iPod, iPhone, and iPad dock with an attached blood pressure arm cuff, with a rechargeable battery, USB port for charging, and power button. It works with the company’s free iHealth BPM application to start pumping the cuff, displaying realtime results, and allowing users to track blood pressure history, view explanations of the results and graphs to chart them over time, and share the results via e-mail. iHealth Lab’s iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS is available now and sells for $100. For more information on the iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor, see our First Look article.

GripDaddy debuts new car mounts for iPad

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GripDaddy has debuted its new Headrest Mount and Arm Mount for the iPad. Both mounts are based around a metal, rubber, and acrylic mount that accepts unencased and some encased iPads; the Headrest Mount attaches directly to either the driver or passenger seat’s headrest—assuming the headrest uses two metal bars for support, placed no more than 7.25 inches apart—while the Arm Mount allows the iPad to be suspended between the front seats thanks to a variable-length metal arm attached to the driver’s seat; the same mounting restrictions apply. GripDaddy’s Headrest and Arm Mounts for the iPad are available now and sell for $80.

Helium Digital intros new accessories for iPod, iPad, iPhone 4

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Helium Digital has introduced its latest accessories for the iPod, iPad, and iPhone 4. The Carbon Fiber Defense Shield is a new film set for the iPhone 4, precision cut from carbon fiber, and including film pieces to protect the front, rear, and sides of the device. It is available now and sells for $15. The new SwitchPlates case for the iPhone 4 is a snap-on style case, featuring a unique changeable color plate system that allows users to swap out the rear cover for a one of another hue. Features include open access to all ports and controls and three included color plates; the SwitchPlates case for iPhone 4 is also available now and sells for $20. Finally, the HD-500 Multi-Dock Charging Station is a table-top charging cradle offering the ability to charge a connected iPod, iPhone, or iPad, and the ability to act as a simple cradle for passive portrait or landscape viewing. The HD-500 will sell for $25 and is expected to ship in February.

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