TiPb checks out the best, most must-have cases, chargers, headsets, and other accessories to stock up on as soon as you get your new iPhone 4
Just get a new iPhone 4 or iPod touch and curious which are the best, most must-have accessories you need get first? Want to protect that beautiful glass display (and glass back!) or keep your battery charged on the go? Well read on for the TiPb store's top 10 most recommended, most must-have iPhone accessories to get your started.
Light cases: Case-Mate Barely There
The Case-Mate Barely There is tough enough to protect your iPhone 4 from scratches or scrapes without adding a lot of bulk -- just enough to keep your signal from dropping if you're in a low-reception area. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue, pink, green, and chrome, and has wide cutouts so it works with pretty much any cable or connector. There's also a cutout for the Apple logo on the back, if that's the kind of thing that appeals to you. Includes a screen protector. [$22.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Incipio Ultra Light Feature Case has even more colors and no logo cutout. [$23.95 - TiPb store link]
- Seidio Innocase II Case has pastel colors and 2-piece design. [$29.95 - TiPb store link]
Leather cases: Griffin Elan Passport
The Griffen Elan Passport is a wallet-style case that keeps your iPhone safe, secure, and in the same place as your cash and most-used credit cards. It comes in black with a platinum variant that includes a lanyard. Rich leather with tasteful metallic accents give it just the right touch of class and styling. It even includes a cutout for the camera so you can take snapshots and shoot video without removing your iPhone from the case. [$37.95 - TiPb store link]
- SPE SidePouch Case lets you clip your iPhone to your belt for holster-fast access. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
- Nutshell Leather Belt Case blends high quality New Zealand cowhide with soft ultrasuede interior. [$59.95 - TiPb store link]
Protective cases: Otterbox Defender
The Otterbox Defender case is multilayer armor for your iPhone. A hard inner shell with clear plastic protection for the screen and Apple Logo is covered by a soft rubber outer shell that covers all the buttons and ports and keeps your iPhone safe from impact, abrasion, and incidental weather. It comes in black, blue, or red and includes a fast-action belt clip if you want to wear your iPhone at your side. It's pretty only in the bulldog sense of the word but if you need to keep your iPhone safe, it's also your go-to case. [$47.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Overboard Pro-Sport Waterproof Case for total bath, pool, and beach protection for your iPhone. [$39.95 - iTunes link]
- Otterbox Commuter Case gives a good level of protection with less bulk. [$32.95 - TiPb store link]
Charging cables: SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable
The SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable is just like the standard iPhone cable -- USB 2.0 on one end, 30-pin dock connector on the other -- but can go from 24-inches fully extended down to just 4.5-inches to easily fit in your jacket, bag, purse, or pocket. You can plug it into your WIndows or Mac PC, or into an AC adapter to charge your iPhone without worrying about excess cable getting in your way. That makes it especially useful for road warriors, students, and frequent travelers. [$4.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Apple USB AC Adapter with Sync Cable so you can plug into a wall as well into a PC. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
- Griffin PowerJolt Plus not only lets you plug into your car, but passes through power to a second car adapter. [$27.95 - TiPb store link]
Battery Chargers: Ventev PowerCELL
Since iPhone doesn't have a removable battery crafty accessory makers have made all sorts of different external battery packs for it, including Ventev PowerCELL. Rather than a case or dongle, the Ventev is a power pack with ports for not only iPhone 4's dock cable but also mini and micro USB so you can charge Bluetooth headsets and even other devices. This makes it the perfect universal power solution for travelers. [$54.95 - TiPb store link]
- mophie juicepack plus is a slider-style case with battery pack built in. [$99.95 - Mophie link]
- Griffin TuneJuice2 lets you load up AAA batteries and transfer the charge. [$29.95 - TiPb store link]
Stands: Griffin A-Frame for iPad
The Griffin A-Frame has high quality, aluminum construction that not only matches your iPad's good looks but makes it more convenient as well. You can either set it up easel-style to watch movies, look at photos, or follow recipes, or lay it back so it props up your iPad at a more comfortable keyboard angle. [$49.99 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Element Case Joule Stand for high end, high polish iPad viewing in landscape or portrait. [$129.00 - Element Case store link]
- Twelve South Compass Stand is a versatile, collapsable, low cost option for iPad. [$39.99 - Twelve South store link]
Headsets: v-moda vibe duo In-Ear Stereo Headset
The v-moda vibe duo cram a huge audio punch into a tiny in-ear package. With amazing clarity, great noise-reduction, and a ton of drive they're a great compromise for getting high-end quality at lower-end prices. They've also got a microphone so you can rock, pause and answer a call, then get right back to rocking. [$99.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Apple In-Ear Headpohones with Remote and Mic are also great quality at a good price and perfect for Apple purists. [$79.00 - Apple store link]
- maximo iMetal Isolation Stereo Headset are for those who don't want to spend a ton of cash on their headsets but still want a ton of music for their money. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]
Bluetooth headsets: Plantronics Voyager Pro
Many states and provinces now require hands-free driving options so if you have to wear a headset it might as well be one that looks like it comes straight from the bridge of the Galactica. Sure you can find smaller headsets but they typically have flimsy ear loops or no ear loops at all and might just fall out if you chew or move your head too quickly. This headset says "pro" and means it. [$84.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Jawbone ICON, the latest in the line that sets the bar for headset style. [$79.95 - TiPb store link]
- Motorola H15 gives the best bang for Bluetooth buck with great sound at a great price [$49.95 - TiPb store link]
Stereo Bluetooth headset: Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD
Motorola's MOTOROKR S9-HD makes a great product better with better audio quality and full 3D immersion. Listen to all your favorite iPod music and then, with the tap of a button, answer a call, talk, hang up, and go back to jamming. If you like the behind-the-head style of headset, you won't find better -- or more booming! -- than the S9-HD. [$84.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Motorola MOTOROCKR S305 are a great, lower cost alternative that still sound terrific for the price. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]
- Jawbone JAMBOX aren't a headset but they are a fantastic sounding speakerphone that pounds out music like nobody's business. [$199.99 - Jawbone store link]
Car mounts: iGrip Custom Fit Mounts
Bluetooth is great for audio but it won't hold your iPhone up so you can look at turn-by-turn directions or quickly access the other functions. That's where iGrip's Custom Fit series of car mounts come in, with options for power plug (cigarette lighter), suction cup, and vent mounting systems. [$19.95 and up - TiPb store link]
- TomTom car kit for iPhone, for those who use the TomTom app, provides enhanced GPS (there's even a model for the iPod touch) [$99.95 - TomTom store link]
- iGrip Universal series is for those who want to fit more than just an iPhone [$19.95 and up - TiPb store link]
Amazing extras: Pogo Sketch Stylus
Steve Jobs might not think much of the stylus but for artists or just cold climates they can let you do everything from painting fantastic works of art to staying iPhone-functional with your arctic mittens on. Pogo Sketch comes in pink or silver, is light weight, and has a handy clip to keep it from getting lost. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
Also check out:
- Freedom i-Connex Mini Keyboard is for those who need to do serious writing while staying seriously mobile. [$37.95 - TiPb store link link]
- Glif Tripod Mount and Stand takes your iPhone from being the best camera to one of the most stable ones as well. [$20.00 - Glif store link]
Your top accessories?
So there you have them, our top 10 best iPhone accessories -- cases, chargers, cables, headsets, Bluetooth, and more! -- to get you started. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone Accessories Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!
