When I was asked to put together a list of my most-used accessories of 2011, it got me thinking that I actually don't use very many accessories at all. In total I have four that I use on a regular basis. Here's a little bit about each one and why they are special to me.

Brodit iPhone 4S mount

There are a large variety of car mounts for the iPhone but Brodit from Sweden has been my number one mounting solution for the last ten years. It is an incredible mount that works beautifully. It comes in two parts, a Proclip that is specific to the make and model of car you own. They are available for different mounting positions within your car, you choose where you want your device and buy the Proclip to suit. Installing it is simple, no drilling or damage to your car interior, each clip is designed to be pushed into position and held in place by your cars dashboard surround.

Once you have the Proclip installed, the Brodit mount screws into that and it is a really secure fit. The mounts are available in different configurations, some come with a 12V car plug, some with pass through connectors and some as just passive mounts. Whichever one you choose, it will be precision made, lined with soft padding and will fit perfectly. If you want a car mount, don't bother with any other!

• Price varies Brodit link

Kensington LiquidAUX For iPhone And iPod

Of the many car audio interfaces for iPhone, the Kensington LiguidAUX is my favorite. My VW Passatt has a 3.5mm input for an iPod or iPhone but I really dislike having a charger in the bottom of my iPhone and another cable coming out of the 3.5mm jack. To get round this, I use a Kensington LiquidAUX. This doubles as a car charger but also takes the audio from the dock connector and transfers that to a 3.5mm input for your car stereo. This give you the flexibility to make all the cabling in your car much neater all round. The Kensington LiquidAUX also comes with a small remote control that you can fix to your steering wheel. This gives you the ability to skip tracks and play and pause without your hands leaving the wheel. It's hard to find now, so if anyone knows of something similar, let me know in the comments.

• $164.29 - Amazon link

iPhone 4S dock

iPhone docks are essential. When my iPhone 4S isn't in my hand, it will be in its dock at the side of my bed, that's where it charges and syncs all my data to iCloud during the night. I have tried third party docks and none are as nice as the Apple dock. Yes it is expensive but you only get what you pay for. It feels solid, it fits perfectly and looks beautiful.

• $23.99 - Amazon link

Marware CEO Hybrid for iPad 2

I hate cases and refuse to have one on my iPhone 4S, unfortunatley the iPad 2 gets  lot more rough treatment by my 2 year old so a case is a must for this. I considered many options but the Marware CEO Hybrid stood out for a few different reasons.

First off is the fact that it works like an Apple Smart Cover, when you open it, the screen turns on. Secondly, it covers all areas of the device, it isn't the slimmest case in the world, but it protects all angles. I have dropped it a few times on the road outside of my house and the case took the damage and the iPad 2 is perfect. The final reason is how it looks, a carbon fibre look, black and sexy. It really makes your iPad 2 look the part!

• $27.55 - Amazon link

Marware, maker of iMore Store favorite Eco Vue and Eco Flip, are showing off their next generation executive iPad case -- the CEO Premiere. Rather than eco-leather, this uses the traditional type and also includes a new grip system to keep your iPad in place, no more pocket.

We take a look at it live from CES 2011 so check out the video and let us know what you think, is it a worthy successor?

What do you get for the iPhone and iPad geek who has everything? Well, first you make sure that they have an iPhone and iPad (of course!). Then you need to get them some awesome accessories and super sweet peripherals.

Rene and I give some examples drawn from deep within our own inner geek:

• Tom Bihn Ristretto for iPad
• Marware Eco-Vue for iPad
• Case-Mate Barely There Chrome case for iPhone
• Griffin PowerJolt Plus for iPhone or iPad
• OverBoard Pro-Sport Waterproof case for iPhone
• Airport Express
• Apple TV
• Jawbone JAMBOX
• Apple Company Store gear
• ThinkGeek

If you have any great gift ideas for iPhone and iPad geeks (like me!) leave them in the comments!

The Marware Eco-Flip case for iPad is a portfolio case which offers your iPad both style and protection. The padded outer layer of the case is an eco-leather material which is water resistance and beautiful to the touch. The inner microfiber layer of the case has a soft suede feel and cradles your iPad snugly inside. It also offers vertical and horizontal stand options as well as a keyboard lift. If you are looking for a vertical flip case then Marware has your covered.

The iPad slips easily and snugly into the inner fold of the Marware Eco-Flip case and the cover stays in place thanks to a smartly placed elastic strap. To open, just slip off the elastic and flip back the cover. If you want to use it as a tablet, reverse the elastic and the cover stays out of your way. If you want to stand it up vertically or horizontally to watch a picture slideshow or movie, leave off the elastic and keep the cover angled open.

Inside you'll find several great features. My favorite is the hand strap. It allows you to easily hold your iPad with one hand and without effort. It is securely kept on your had due to the two elastic straps and is comfortable due to the inner microfiber material.

There's also a small flip-out stand on the inside of the case which places your iPad at a 30 degree angle. This makes using the keyboard on the iPad much easier.

The only slight drawback to this case is that I find the vertical flip of the case to be more cumbersome than the booklike opening of its sister, the Marware Eco-Vue. This is a personal preference though as both cases are equally beautiful and equally well designed.

Overall, the Marware Eco-Flip case is one of the most beautiful and useful cases that I have reviewed to date. If you are looking to get someone a gift or a case for yourself this case will not disappoint you. Marware thought of everything when they designed the Eco-View case. Absolutely impressive.

The Marware Eco-Flip case for iPad is available from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Brilliant design
• Exceptionally well made
• Hand grip on back
• Flip top used as a vertical and horizontal stand
• Has a mini stand for keyboard use
• Your iPad screen is protected while closed

Cons

• The vertical flip is more cumbersome

Rating

Gallery

Make no mistake, the Marware Eco-Vue case for the iPad [$42.95] is the executive option for iPad cases. It's the leather bound Cadillac. It's the finely appointed Benz. No, I'm not writing a luxury car review, but that's kind of how this case feels. The quality is excellent -- it smells excellent. Deep black leather with crisp white stitching on the outside sandwiches your iPad providing a think layer of plush protection, softer gray microfiber swaddles it inside while still granting access to hardware buttons and ports. There's also a clear screen protector included to keep the display safe.

A thin elastic band lets you secure the Marware Eco-Vue closed or flipped back and open. There's a leather strap that folds over the top and tucks in to keep your iPad from falling out. I'm paranoid so it didn't de-stress me to the level a snap or velcro or some other form of security would have, but it's long enough and the friction is high enough that the iPad stays put. It's leather-glove tight inside either, which will annoy perfectionists but does make getting the iPad in and out far easier. Since I haven't seen a dock yet that will work with this size case, that could be a plus for those who want to take their iPad out every once and a while.

Inside the Marware Eco-Vue's front cover are a couple of highly useful extras. An elastic leather strap lets you slip one hand inside so you can carry the iPad around and tap away with the other hand without worrying it will slip and fall. A stand folds out to let you prop it up on a table to create a better typing angle. A magnet keeps it from flopping around when not in use. Smart. So smart I kind of wish a magnet was also used to keep the case closed, though the elastic is certainly more traditional.

And if you're wondering about the Eco in the name, Marware says it's made out of substances healthier for the environment and meets RoHS standards.

On the negative side, luxury comes at a price and in this case the price is bulk. The Marware Eco-Vue isn't a skin, it isn't a film, it's a fairly hefty leather bound folio. If 1.5lbs of iPad is already dragging you down, this won't help (hitting the weights might). I found the protection worth it, and didn't even use a bad with the Marware. I just closed it, secured the elastic, and carried my iPad around like a book. That way, the net total was a lighter, more portable, if somewhat Yuppy-esque solution.

I've heard some complaints that there's nowhere inside the Marware Eco-Vue to carry a paper notebook and pen. Sure. Okay. That's valid. I got an iPad so I'd never have to use pen and paper on the go again, but for those of you who want to take the old and the new with you, Marware doesn't offer that option. Nor is there a place to stick some business cards. It's also black only at the moment, so if you prefer your leather in Indiana Jones brown, you're out of luck.

Other than those gripes I've been very impressed, and I'm decidedly not the type of person who usually likes the leather fold-over case form factor. (See Sikora, Jeremy). I've actually been using it more than what's required to review it and I have a sneaky suspicion that means it's won me over.

If you're looking for a smart, sexy iPad case that offers both protection and panache, look no further -- the Marware Eco-Vue has you covered.

Check out the Marware Eco-Vue on the TiPb iPad accessory store...

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad pros

• Excellent craftsmanship
• Good level of protection
• Includes hand-strap and stand

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad cons

• Adds bulk
• No additional pockets/slots for pens, cards, etc.

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad rating

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad video review

YouTube link

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad gallery

Marware's C.E.O. Premiere for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. [$34.95 - iMore Store Link] is a horizontal case with a belt clip and top flap. Either you love that style or you hate it, but there is no denying their popularity among iPhone owners. Marware has been making iPhone cases since day one and some pretty good ones at that. What did we think of the Marware C.E.O. Premiere?

Follow us after the break!

The Marware C.E.O Premiere has the classic horizontal holster case design that covers your iPhone in a textured, soft leather with quality stitching and an ultra-slim non-removable belt clip. The interior of the case is made up of microfiber cloth which is a welcomed addition that promises not to scratch your device while it is in use.

The flap that encloses your iPhone stays closed with the help of Velcro. Though I would have preferred Marware to use magnets, the Velcro does it's job. However, when I am in a quiet room and need to get to my phone I'd like to get it out in silence rather than hearing the sound of Velcro tearing open.

The C.E.O. Premiere is designed only to provide access to the headphone port while your phone is inside. This design allows you to listen to music or take calls with the iPhones headset while you are out and about, but like all other cases of this style, no other controls can be accessed when the it's is closed. Keep that in mind if it's a deciding factor when you're looking for a new case.

Marware was kind enough to include a decent screen protector in the package as well.

If you prefer the horizontal case and can get past some of the Marware's minor shortcomings, the C.E.O Premiere as it's truly a quality case.

Learn more at TiPb's iPhone Store >>>

The Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in the iMore Store for $34.95. If you are looking for an armband case for your iPhone, this might just be it! Let's see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Marware Sportsuit is a convertible armband for the iPhone that is made primarily of neoprene for soft, stretchable, secure use. The iPhone is held in place by a faux leather case with a clear plastic front (to cover the screen) and a strong elastic at the bottom (to prevent the iPhone from falling out). The neoprene is laced with Velcro to adjust to any arm size. The armband comes with the ability to remove the iPhone case component to use separate if desired and there is another optional carry compartment for a couple of keys, cash, etc. 

Daily Use 

When GPS and all of the running/walking apps were announced for the iPhone I was so excited. I thought surely Apple would release their own armband for the iPhone like they have for the Nano and iPod Touch. Alas, this did not happen. Well, thank goodness for companies like Marware for releasing their take on what an armband should do/be for the iPhone. 

First things first. if you have any fear or apprehension of the iPhone falling out while running, you can set those aside. The iPhone fits very securely in the accompanying case. The iPhone is held in by the case itself (very, very snug) and the strong elastic at the bottom. There are no snaps or other contraptions to keep the iPhone in place. This elasticity is sufficient. The encapsulating case is attached to the armband via a plastic snap-in option. This plastic clip attaches to the neoprene armband AND a convenient belt clip; that is right, you are done working out and you can remove the case from the armband and clip it right on your belt with the supplied belt clip. Also, the case has a clear electrostatic cover, so the touchscreen is accessible in the case. Very nice indeed.

The armband is comfortable and does not pinch the arm. The area where the iPhone attaches has a slightly curved plastic piece that conforms to the arm. This adds stability and is also the area which the case attaches to the armband. The accompanying carry compartment is also non-intrusive. It is very small and slides onto the armband just about anywhere you want it. I as able to stuff a key, cash and a credit card into it (hey, you never know when running if you are gonna need supplies, buy a paper, or get some additional water).

While exercising, the armband stayed in place, but not without some effort. I want to make it clear that this is through no fault of the armband, but rather the weight of the iPhone 3G (iPhone 4.7 ounces, iPod Touch 4.05 ounces and the iPod Nano 1.3 ounces). As you can tell, the iPhone is clearly the heaviest of the bunch. Because of this, I found I had to make the armband rather tight. The good news is that the armband held securely through my running travels. The downside is that my arm became "numb" from having to tighten the armband securely enough to where it would not slide down my arm. So, to try to circumvent the "numbing factor" of my upper arm, I tried attaching the armband to my lower arm, just below the elbow. This seems to be more comfortable (and don't worry, the running apps still seemed to work OK. Most of them register your movement via the accelerometer, and placing the armband lower on the arm, still gives the iPhone the motion it needs to register your movement. 

Conclusion

I really liked the design and flexibility of the armband. I can't say I am a huge fan of the case as a stand alone case, but it works just fine for what it is made for. The added functionality of the additional compartment really makes things easier for carrying more items with you.

As a quick extra tip, there are a couple of cool apps out there to help you make the most of your new armband. I recommend; iMapMyRun, Pedometer and RunKeeper.

Pros

• Its a sports armband for the iPhone! (Why doesn't Apple make one?)
• 3-in-1 armband!
• Adjustable armband that will fit anyone
• Soft neoprene elastic texture
• Case is removable
• Extra storage for keys or money

Cons

• Can become uncomfortable for extended periods of time (due to the iPhone's weight)
• Can be tricky to remove the iPhone from the encapsulating case
• iPhone case is not really useful or flattering if used independently of the armband

TiPb Rating:

The iPhone 3G has plenty of case options that range from hard polycarbonate cases to soft rubber options, from colorful designs to more understated lines. The Marware Sport Grip for iPhone 3G ($19.95) is a soft rubber case that incorporates subtle design and offers superb protection. How does it perform?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Marware Sport Grip for iPhone 3G is a silicone rubber case that protects the corners, the entire back, and even the home button on the iPhone. The Marware Sport Grip also comes with an adequate adhesive clear screen protector that covers the entire front face of the iPhone 3G. There is a quirk in design that exposes the multitude of sensors on the iPhone 3G but this oddity is due to maintaining the function of the sensors.

The Marware Sport Grip is available in three opaque colors: black, white, and pink. What makes the Marware Sport Grip case stand out is that it protects as much of the front face of the iPhone 3G as possible—the home button and ear speaker is protected—leaving only the touchscreen open for 'direct' access. Few cases offer as much protection.

The volume buttons and sleep/wake switch are also covered via exterior rubber buttons—no worries, the buttons don’t lose much sensitivity with the protection, the molded rubber buttons are very easy to press. The silent/ringer switch is made available through a small cut out in the case.

Usability

Make no mistake, the Marware Sport Grip’s main purpose is to protect the iPhone 3G offering few frills and no gimmicks. Whereas other companies choose to sway consumers with eye-catching design, the Marware Sport Grip focuses on function. The design is simple—cover as much as the iPhone 3G as possible. And to that extent, it definitely succeeds. You can’t possibly cover more of the iPhone 3G’s exterior without losing some functionality, the protection that the Sport Grip offers is simply superb.

There is also a cutout for the speaker grilles on the iPhone so the sound won’t get muffled behind the silicone. There will obviously be some thickness added with the case but it isn’t bothersome. Overall, the Sport Grip performs solidly and the rubber used is thick enough for better protection but not too thick where it detracts from the iPhone’s form factor.

Even though the Marware Sport Grip is made from a silicone rubber, it doesn’t offer the tactile feel or grip of similar options. The case also attracts a lot of lint and dust but perhaps this is due to my testing with the black version. Also, though the holes for the iPhone 3G’s sensors are purposeful, it is still an odd design choice that clutters the front face of the iPhone 3G.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Marware Sport Grip will fit anyone who wants a simple case that offers the most protection possible without sacrificing function. The case adds minimal thickness and the iPhone 3G feels secure and protected. Obviously, those looking for a more unique design should look elsewhere but the Marware Sport Grip is as solid a case as it gets with the iPhone 3G.

PROS:

• Superb, Complete Protection
• Maintains All Functionality of iPhone
• Adds Minimal Thickness

CONS:

• Attracts Lint & Dust
• Little Grip Added
• Cluttered Front Face

FINAL RATING:

Need a place to keep your hands free when you hit the gym? Looking for the ideal workout case for your iPhone? The Marware Sportsuit Convertible case for iPhone 3G ($34.95) and original iPhone ($34.95) is a workout case that keeps your iPhone always within reach and your hands free to lift weights, use the yoga ball, run faster etc. It also doubles as a slim-profile sleeve case. And even triples for a clip-on case that is attachable via belt clip. How does it all perform? Does it hold up over time?

Read on for the rest of the review!

What Comes In The Box

• Marware Sportsuit Convertible
• Arm Band
• Belt Clip
• Key Pouch

Design & Fit

What’s unique about the Marware Sportsuit Convertible is its versatility. Marware stresses that you are able to use the workout case as an independent case as well. Though it may look unsightly, the case itself offers great protection with padded backing and edges and a full screen protector.

The Marware Sportsuit Convertible leaves room open for all of the iPhone’s sensors, the camera, ear speaker, and headphone jack. The belt clip works as well as any other belt clip. Most of my testing concerns the Marware Sportsuit Convertible Case as a workout Case.

Usability

In my testing, I found the case to be extremely comfortable and usable. I found the case easy to remove from the arm band and most of the iPhone’s buttons easily accessible. There are gray outlines that detail where the buttons on the iPhone are (not like you would forget, but a nice touch). Though the iPhone does lose some touch sensitivity behind the plastic screen protector, it didn’t seem to be a deal breaker for me. Whatever I needed to get done in the gym—changing playlists, increasing volume, make a quick call—the Sportsuit Convertible handled well enough.

The material of the arm band is great and I rarely noticed my iPhone attached to my arm when running. The velcro attaches well and the arm band is always secure. The quality of material that Marware uses in the Sportsuit Convertible was a great choice. As a workout case, the Marware Sportsuit Convertible succeeds.

Final Thoughts

Though it was a complete pain to remove the iPhone from the case, when it was in the case my iPhone felt safe and secure. There was never an issue of looseness and my iPhone was never in danger of falling onto the treadmill (oh the horror!) or getting smashed by some free weights. Obviously, if you were to use this as an everyday case, the plastic screen protector wouldn't be the most ideal for heavy touch screen usage, but the Sportsuit Convertible is perfect for a trip to the gym and is rugged enough for any physically demanding exercise.

PROS

• Great Build Quality, Neoprene feels soft
• Secure Arm Band
• Useful Key Pouch

• A VERY, VERY tight fit. A little difficult to remove the iPhone
• Not the prettiest design
• Loses some touchscreen sensitivity