CES 2013 is about to kick off and we are being inundated with new accessories. One of those that really stand out is the Griffin PowerDock 5 which is a counter top charge that can charge up to five devices at the same time from one power outlet. If you live in a home like me, this particular accessory could come in really handy; we currently have three iPads and three iPhones that constantly need charging.
Well known accessory manufacturer “Belkin” has announced that it will soon be shipping the first official third party accessories based on Apple’s Lightning connector cable. The first accessories will be a rather innovative charge and sync dock and a car charger.
Twig is a rather innovative charging cable for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that looks to solve your cable clutter problem. We all use the Apple supplied cable for charging and syncing our devices and the length of it probably means that it gets tangled up in your bag and it all becomes a bit messy. The Twig looks to solve that problem as well as offering a few extra features too.
A new portable fuel cell charger will be available to buy this year that claims to be able to recharge your iPhone between 10 and 14 times. The small charging device does not need to be recharged by plugging it in; it works with replaceable fuel cell cartridges which can even be carried on planes.
The Choixx Power Fort 5600 mAh by Cooler Master is an external battery pack charger for your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Unlike case charges such as the mophie juice pack, because it's USB based the Power Fort will also work with Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and most other gadgets, as well as accessories like Bluetooth headsets.
The Converge USB charging hub from Think Geek is a fun, futon-inspired stand for your iPhone, iPod tour or iPad. Working on an Apple mobile blog like iMore means you start to amass a lot of Apple mobile devices and even if I'm only using an iPhone and an iPad every day, keeping them both charged in an easy, elegant way has proven to be more of a challenge than I originally imagined. Converge looks like a great way to do just that.
In contrast to Apple's white dock, this cradle is matte black. It is very sturdy which allows you to easily use and tap on your iPhone without the risk of knocking it over. With dimensions at about 4"x2.5"x1", the Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle isn't tiny, but it isn't bulky either. The cradle connects to your computer via micro USB and iTunes does recognize when you dock your iPhone.
My favorite feature of this dock is that it is compatible with cases. There is a removable plate included with the cradle; this ensures that your iPhone fits properly in the dock regardless if you're using a case or not . I use an Apple Bumper on my iPhone 4, and it fits perfectly with the plate removed. If the plate is attached, my iPhone 4 fits nice and snug in its naked state. Although the Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle is advertised for the iPhone 4, I tested it with my 3GS, and it fit just fine with the plate accessory removed.
If you're looking for a charging dock for your iPhone, I recommend checking this one out. In addition to being a stylish way to charge my iPhone, I also enjoy having a slideshow display on it at the same time. The Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle is available in the TiPb Accessory Store.
Orange has developed a t-shirt that also doubles as an iPhone charger. The t-shirt which is called the Orange Sound Charge is in a prototype phase at the moment. Extensive testing will be carried out at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.
The eco charging device uses an existing technology in a revolutionary way; by reversing the use of a product called Piezoelectric film, allowing people to charge their mobile phones whilst enjoying their favourite headline act at Glastonbury. Usually found in modern hi-fi speakers, an A4 panel of the modified film is housed inside a t-shirt which then acts much like an oversized microphone by ‘absorbing’ invisible sound pressure waves. These sound waves are converted via the compression of interlaced quartz crystals into an electrical charge, which is fed into an integral reservoir battery that in turn charges most makes and models of mobile phone. As the ‘device’ is worn, a steady charge is able to be dispensed into the phone via a simple interchangeable lead which fits most handsets.
Orange believe that a sound level of around 80dB (which is roughly the ambient noise level of a busy high street) could produce up to 6 watt hours of power. That should be enough to charge up your iPhone which needs 5 watts. The panel in the t-shirt is removable so unlike most festival attendees, you can wash your t-shirt if you need to! Take a look at the video after the break then let us know what you think in the comments!
The Griffin PowerJolt dual USB charger solves an age old problem: you and your significant other have both depleted the batteries on your iPhone and yet your car only offers one charging socket. Who gets to use it? Or worse: you're in the middle of that big family summer trip and not only have both parents worn down their iPhones, all the kids in the back are near empty on their iPod touches as well. Do you get your internet or do they get the movies that keep them quiet and you sane for the remainder of the trip?
While I can't claim the Griffin PowerJolt dual USB charger will save relationships and family trips, this simple adapter will at least hold power hungry creatures at bay for twice as long. Read on to find out how!
The mophie juicepak plus for iPhone 4 is serious charging power for serious power users. If you're on the go, if your iPhone can't run down, won't run down -- if you need a case that can get you through twice the work and play, then here's your solution. To see how it held up for me under the rigors of CES 2011, read on for the review after the break!
