Blade-Tech isn't your everyday, ordinary iPhone accessory maker. In fact, iPhones are usually the last thing you think of when you hear the name Blade-Tech. The first thing, obviously, is blades -- as in knives -- followed closely by guns. That's probably why Blade-Tech isn't selling a iPhone cable or even a case. Blade Tech is selling an iPhone holster.

The Smart Phone Holster for your iPhone fits the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 and works with cases like the Otter BOX Commuter Series, Otter BOX Defender, MAGPUL Executive, MAGPUL Field, and SI Battle Case.

The iPhone Holster is hand-crafted and comes with Tek-Lok belt clip or KLIP, so you can carry your iPhone on your hip, locked and loaded, with the screen facing in or out. Now certainly not everyone is going to want a tactical holster for the iPhone, but it continues to be amazing to see just how far and wide iPhone adoption has become. And you just know that it's because of options like this everyone from Sarah Walker to Sarah Connor would be packing an iPhone come go time.

If you were off to fight enemy spies or killer robots, or you simply want quick access to your ruggedly protected iPhone in the theater of your choosing, would Blade-Tech be your go to holster?

Source: Blade-Tech, tipped by Sam via the new iMore app

"Whether you're new to jogging or are a seasoned marathoner, there are tons of great iPhone apps and accessories will help you to be the best runner you can possibly be."

The iPhone is the perfect companion for those looking to get into jogging or running, or those looking to keep their long-term training fun and fresh. Since it's health and Fitness month here at iMore and the Mobile Nations network, we're going to take a look a the very best accessories and apps that'll help you get the most out of your experience.

One important thing to remember before getting started is to always keep yourself properly hydrated when going on a run. Keeping a water bottle with you is a great idea, but if you can't, make sure to get a good amount of hydration during your warmup and cool down periods. The fact is, when you run, you sweat. A lot. Whether it's just a quick jog or a long, 10-15 mile run, proper hydration is absolutely essential to keeping your body going without over-stressing your cardiovascular system.

Tune Belt Sport Armband for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Some runners might prefer an armband over a belt case, and if so, the Tune Belt Sport Armband is your go-to

The Tune Best Armband is the best armband out there for both heavy running and light jogging. It features a protective window cover and washable material, with support for right side up or upside down orientation to match every type of workout you can imagine. Attach it to your arm or even your thigh with the EX3 length extender pushing it beyond the default 9-17 inch adjustment options if needed (EX3 sold separately). The dual-orientation also makes for a more convenient way to access your iPhone without requiring you to remove it from the armband. Just extend your arm up to eye level, and you can navigate through your iPhone without the hassle of stopping, removing it from the case, and tapping through to what you need.

The great thing about the Tune Best Armband is the stretchable form-fitting material, which supports newer iPhone models as well as the older, bulkier iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. You'll never have to stress about your iPhone being exposed to water damage if you're running out in the rain or snow with the water-proof design, and the protective front cover ensures a scratch-resistant environment in case you happen to slip or fall while you're out on a jog in less than ideal weather.

For safety nuts, the Tune Best Armband includes a highly reflective logo for night jogging, and you won't have to worry about your earbud cord getting in the way with the built-in cord organizer. Just wrap your earbud cable around the flap for a tangle-free experience! For runners, the Tune Belt Sport Armband is definitely the way to go.

• Protective cover with waterproof design
• Earbud cord organizer for tangle-free running
• Form fitting to older iPhones
• Reflective logo for safety

$14.99+ -- Buy Now

Polk Audio UltraFit sports headphones

There's nothing worse than headsets that fall or flop out of your ears when you're running. It completely takes you out of the zone and leaves you fumbling for your music rather than focusing on your run. Enter UltraFit, a range of high performance headsets specifically engineered to stay in your ears, even if you're running cross-country (or jumping on a trampoline!)

Polk offers both cheaper and premium alternatives, and because of the design, the UltraFit don't block out all noise -- so you can hear cars getting close or friends complaining when you leave them in the dust. The hire end models also include remote controls on the cables to easily control your audio apps without fussing with your iPhone.

• Tangle free, planar cables
• SecureFit to stay in place
• Moisture shields
• Two cable choices, 14 and 41-inches

$49.95 - $99.95 - Buy Now

RunKeeper

RunKeeper lets you setup training workouts, map your route, monitor caloric output and more

RunKeeper is quite possibly the best app out there for runners. RunKeeper uses the GPS included in the iPhone to measure distance, elevation, duration, speed and pace of your run, and more. It also follows your routes on a map and gives you the ability to plan your route ahead of time, giving you a much better overall idea of how easy or difficult your run will be -- all before even getting started! RunKeeper also comes with the following features:

• Social Network Sharing
• Personalized Dashboard
• Target Pace with built-in coaching (via headphones)
• Interval workouts/runs

The app also includes full iPod integration, so you won't have to jump out of the app and into music library in order to change tracks or switch to another playlist.

Breakdown of time and speed for each mile you've run and access playlists for quick and easy changeovers

In addition, RunKeeper includes audio prompts that cycle through your headphones to give you information and updates on your run without any user input required. If you're new to running or if you've been running for a while, RunKeeper is definitely the first app you'll want to look into.

Free -- Download Now

Get Running (Couch to 5K)

If you're new to running and find it a bit daunting, Get Running is the app for you

Get Running is an app for new runners. This little gem of an app will get you running for a full 30 minutes, non-stop, by integrating three daily workouts over a nine-week period, starting slow and building up to the ability to finish a full 5K run!

• Social Sharing
• Set up a personalized plan
• iPod integration for working with or without your music
• Full activity and achievement log

Get Running is the only 5K running app that coaches you up like an actual human coach would, so you'll feel more motivated to keep progressing as you go through the program. By encouraging you to keep moving forward, you'll be able to run a full 5K stretch in no time!

If you're new to running and want to make the process a bit less scary, Get Running is the app for you!

$2.99 -- Download Now

iMapMyRun+

View pace, speed, time distance and other stats to help monitor your progress along the way

iMapMyRun is a more basic running app that does exactly what the title implies. It maps your run and gives you information related to your run, such as pace, distance, caloric output, nutrition information, elevation, heart rate stats and features a live route map update in real-time as you go.

The app offers great social integration as well, so if you're into building up your bragging rights amongst fellow runners, iMapMyRun+ offers an always up-to-date list of the latest runs you or your friends have been on.

Displaying your progress is great for motivation or to compare with fellow runners

Just like RunKeeper, iMapMyRun+ features voice prompts to update you with all of these stats on-the-go so you don't have to stop and check the app to see how you're doing. You also have the option of posting bragging rights to Twitter and Facebook if you want to keep your friends up to date on how you're doing. It also includes full iPod integration with a GPS camera. The free app comes with ads, so you'll have to purchase the full app if you don't want that to become an annoyance for you.

$1.99 -- Download Now

Now get running!

Whether you're new to jogging or are a seasoned marathoner, there are tons of great iPhone apps and accessories will help you to be the best runner you can possibly be. I've been using these apps and accessories to help get in shape, and I couldn't have picked a better device to assist in the process. The iPhone -- paired with these apps and accessories -- is the perfect solution for running and jogging.

If you have any additional accessories or apps that you consider the best-of-the-best, make sure to mention them in the comments below. And if you’re joining us for Mobile Nations Fitness Month, and running or jogging is your exercise of choice, jump into our Health & Fitness Forum and work out with us!

While Apple has done amazing things with iPhone accessibility features, especially FaceTime and Siri, this prosthetic arm-as-smartphone really has to be seen to be believed.

Trevor Prideaux was born without a left arm, but that hasn't stopped him from using his smartphone just like everyone else. Trevor, along with medical experts and communications engineers from Nokia, developed a custom prosthetic arm that doubles as a smartphone holder.

"I can now take calls and make texts just by using my one hand, while the phone sits inside my arm." says Prideaux. "The phone slots smoothly and securely within my limb and is easily removable, when required. I think this would help a lot of people with prosthethic arms - especially those who were not born with the disability."

It's really pretty cool, and rather interesting to say the least. It's great to see those with disabilities are still able to enjoy the full benefits of using a smartphone these days.

The only glaringly obvious problem? He's using a Nokia C7 instead of an iPhone!

Source: The Telegraph

The first purchase you make after you get a new device should always be some sort of protection -- ideally, a case that suits your needs in the best way possible. You paid good, hard-earned money for your iPhone, after all, and sometimes a simple rubber skin case or hard case will just not do. So what's left? A nicely crafted holster case, and today I'm going to be taking a look at the Krusell Apollo leather case for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This case can be purchased directly from TiPb store for $34.95. For the full run down on this holster case read on after the break!

Design

When it comes to cases that nicely fit a businessman or businesswoman's needs, Swedish case manufacturer Krusell is the one brand that pops into my mind. The previous Krusell case that I was able to review, the Krusell Hector, left me fairly impressed with their quality and design. The Krusell Apollo Leather Case was able to get that half right.

First thing to point out is the Krusell Apollo's Multidapt feature that allows for you to have a few different wearing options. The Multidapt system is simply a fancy name for a swivel clip system that is completely removable from the case, reducing the size of the Apollo's profile. If the swivel clip system is not your cup of tea, just remove it from the back of the case.

This case has been beautifully hand crafted and solidly put together with very soft genuine leather. The color is black on the outside with a very soft, silver interior. On the exterior of the case you will notice a magnetic flip-top closure, an off-white stitching, and a small Krusell badge. The stitching appears to be exact, with no stray threads or excess glue. There are some minor issues with the functionality, which I'll get into a bit later, but overall the Apollo is a very well constructed case.

Daily Use

So far this has been a pretty positive review for the Krusell Apollo but it's not all a bed of roses. Yes, the Multidapt feature is nice and convenient to have but if you do choose to use it be prepared to deal with a very bulky case. So bulky, in fact, that I could not use the Apollo as my daily driver. Now if you are the complete opposite of me and wouldn't mind sacrificing a slimmer profile to wear the case on your hip, this case may suit you well.

Another worry I have is with the magnetic flip-top. It seems to be a pretty weak magnet and it doesn't take much to flip open, which of course should be a major concern for anyone, especially if you are active person. So if you do purchase this case, be very wary of wearing it horizontally.

The vertical holster functionality, on the other hand, is suburb with the Multidapt clip. It will securely hold your phone tightly to your side via a belt or pants pocket.

This case also keeps your iPhone 3G very well protected. With some cases that you wear, you run the risk of bumping into something, whether it be the corner of a table or wall, that will severely scratch the iPhone itself or, worst case, crack screen. I'm happy to say with the Apollo those are things you need not worry about.

Conclusion

The Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G is a decent product, solidly built with fine materials. While its style will not win any awards, and personally I feel Krusell missed the mark with the Apollo, it is a way to protect your iPhone 3G while at the same time offering more than one way to carry it via the Multidapt clip.

Pros

• Built from high quality materials
• Multidapt clip allows for numerous ways to carry your iPhone 3G

Cons

• Way too bulky
• Magnetic flip-top seems very weak

TiPb Review Rating

The Speck SeeThru Case ($29.95) for the Apple iPhone is a hard plastic case that also comes with a belt holster. When I saw Speck at Macworld, I was impressed with their wide array of cases and also with their clip/stand system. After some time with their SeeThru case, I continue to be impressed.

Read on for the full review!

Design of the Case

The SeeThru comes in two colors - red and smoke. I naturally chose the red. To use it, You put the rear-cover on, then slide the front on the bottom until it goes over the lip of the rear side and then snap it on top. The "snap" at the top is very secure and there's a convenient "divot" to get your fingernail in there if you want to remove the case.

The end result is that the entirety of the iPhone (minus screen, ports, and buttons, of course) is covered and protected. The "ridge" between the two halves of the case is non-obstrusive and designed to not grab every piece of pocket lint that it comes in contact with.

Being hard plastic, the SeeThru does a very good job protecting the iPhone from scratches, but it might not necessarily be ideal for drops, as hard plastic can be brittle. That said, I think the red looks great on the iPhone.

Of course, the iPhone won't fit in the standard dock with this case on it.

Design of the Holster

The holster is actually quite clever. It comes with a relatively low profile, ratcheting belt clip. It rotates 360 degrees and feels very sturdy. The only knock on it that I'd like the spring on to be a bit stronger. It's fine on a belt, but clipping it to my pocket (as I usually do with these holsters) felt a little dicey because of the weak spring. More on the clip in just a moment.

The holster is matte black plastic and is very sturdy - it's just flexible enough to not feel brittle. The iPhone can go in face-in or face-out (an important detail), and is inserted by placing the bottom into the holster and then snapping it in beneath a tab at the top. It took quite a bit of force to yank the iPhone out without lifting the tab, so it shouldn't be falling out of the thing. When you actually do want to remove it, it's easy to do.

Of course, you should note that the holster won't work without the case, as it's designed to fit it. If you just want a holster on its own you can find several here.

Holster as Music Stand

The clever thing about the holster is that at the top of its ratcheting belt clip is a small tab. You can squeeze the clip open all the way and then lock it in place with that tab. When you do that, the belt clip becomes a desktop stand!

It will work both vertically and horizontally, but when you are using it horizontally be sure that you leave the clip in the "vertical" position, otherwise the whole thing will fall over.

Conclusion

The Speck SeeThru ($29.95) is a solid, quality case. I'm a fan of the case itself and I like the holster as a music stand. As a holster, though, it will only really work if you're going to put it on a belt, otherwise the spring on the clip may not be strong enough to attach to, say, a purse strap or a pocket. Still, though, a worthwhile purchase if you're in the market for this style of case and want a desktop stand to go with it.

Pros

• Stylish and protective case
• Holster works face-in and face-out
• Holster makes a good desktop stand for watching video

Cons

• Spring on belt clip is too weak

4 out of 5

The Marware Sidewinder iPhone Holster ($24.95) is a great holster just by the standards of regular holsters, but it offers a couple of neat tricks you won't see elsewhere - hence the "sidewinder." Read on for our full review - including a coupon good for 30% off on the Marware holster, good this week only.

Holster Design

Figures 2, 3, 4: Sidewinder on its own

If you're looking for a good, straightfoward holster, you could do a lot worse than the Marware Sidewinder. It's a black, hard plastic holster with a nice "soft touch" rubberized finish. When the iPhone is in-case, it has a clean look (well, usually, more on that below) which line up well with the iPhone. You can also use the case with the iPhone facing out (if you prefer to release the case from the belt clip but still the main part on the phone) or facing in (to protect the precious screen).

More importantly, it securely held the iPhone on my belt during testing, surviving a shake test, a bump test, and the ever-dangerous "get out of the car and let the case get caught on the seat-belt" test. On that last test - the toughest for any belt-case, I was pleased to find the case pulled me back towards the car instead of invisibly falling off.

There are other well-thought-out touches on the case. There are holes on the bottom for the microphone and the speaker. The case is also cut out on the back for the camera. Of course, what few buttons and switches the iPhone actually has are available and uncovered.

Like many iPhone cases these days, the Marware Sidewinder comes with a few extras beyond the holster itself - namely a screen protector and a spare microfiber cloth. Also in the box: a strongly-worded warning card telling you to always put the iPhone in the holster with the home button at the bottom. This is indeed good advice -- despite the fact that the antenna is at the bottom. The clip that holds the iPhone in place at the top is rather sturdy (a good thing), which means that if you put the iPhone in upside-down it clicks over the connecting port, putting strain on it that could potentially damage your iPhone after repeated use.

Figure 5: Can you say eek?

Multidapt Clip

The Sidewinder comes with a standard two-part clip and button system. You can pull just the iPhone out of the case for use, or you can leave also the beltclip itself attached your belt and press a button to release the holster/iPhone combo. It's a very sturdy clip and it "ratchets" 360 degrees, staying in position where you ratchet it. The bundled clip sticks out just a tad further than I prefer, but I don't mind that too much as it means that, with the clip on, the case sits at just about the perfect angle for viewing videos on my desk.

Figures 6, 7: The Multidapt clip and the nice angle for tabletop viewing

The neat part, though, is that the clip is actually from the Krussel Multidapt clip system. This means you can actually:

1. Remove the button altogether
2. Replace the clip with another clip that you prefer.

The Multidapt system is great and I'm a huge fan of it: there are Spring Clips, Arm Bands, Car mounts, and more available for the system.

Sidewinder

The Sidewinder's claim to fame is the slide-out headphone winder. It slides out on the left-side of the holster, which is actually very intelligent, as that's "up" when you're watching a movie on the iPhone.

Figures 8, 9: The "sidewinder" in the "Marware Sidewinder"

There are several slots on the slide-out winder designed to help wedge your headphones in so they're not flopping around (or unwinding) as you go. In practice these slots work fairly well, though it does take a little creative wrapping sometimes to get the ends of the cables in the right spot to secure them. The end result is definitely better than having a tangled mess of cord in your pocket.

There's also a third, large slot that was designed to hold a bluetooth headset. Actually, it appears to be designed to hold the Apple bluetooth headset, as several of my "old standby" bluetooth headsets weren't able to fit into that slot. A nice idea, but it would be virtually impossible to implement it for every headset out there.

Figures 10, 11: Wound-up cords are good, but not necessarily pretty.

I am of two minds on this feature: One mind tells me that it's incredibly convenient to always have my headphones on-hand. The other mind tells me that it looks silly and a little ugly to have a big old wound-up cord sticking out of the side of my iPhone. That "other mind" usually wins out and I go back to my default solution: using the Belkin TuneTie "dogbone" cord manager ($9.95).

Although the sidewinder feature isn't for me, I could see other people really liking it - especially if you get the arm-band clip for the mulitidapt system. If nothing else, you can pretend the sidewinder isn't even there, I suppose.

Conclusion

The Marware Sidewinder Holster isn't quite my ideal holster - I find the clip sticks out too far and I ultimately wouldn't use the sidewinder feature. However, that's a personal issue and definitely not a knock on the case itself. If you like the a ratcheting, removable belt clip (or are interested in any of the other multidapt clips) and can imagine yourself using the sidewinder even 10% of the time, this is probably the holster for you.

Figure 12: Sidewinder with stock headphones and Apple bluetooth headset

Pros:

• Solid construction
• Nice rubberized finish
• Can face in or out
• Sidewinder good to have as an option
• Can get different clips for it

Cons:

• Standard ratchet-clip sticks out a bit further than I prefer
• Bluetooth headset holder only works with Apple headset

Overall: 4 of 5

Coupon:

The Marware Sidewinder Holster is $24.95 at the Phone different Store. However, if you purchase it this week (i.e. before October 2nd, 2007), you can get 30% off by using the coupon code SIDEWINDER when you check out.