Griffin is a well-known manufacturer of accessories for a plethora of gadgets, and has been around for quite some time. Although Griffin is a rather large company, many of their products have been hit or miss for me: some of their cases are atrociously bad, while others shine. Due to the blockbuster success of Apple’s Smart Cover, many companies have attempted to create products that mimic both the aesthetics and function of Apple’s shining star. Griffin’s Intellicase for the new iPad is one of those products.

How did it fare? Read on to find out.

The Intellicase is, in essesence, a two-piece case. Designed similarly to a book, the Intellicase features a hard, snap-on back with a flap that both protects the screen and mimics Smart Cover functionality. Simply insert your iPad into the back portion of the case, and you’re good to go. The result is a nice fit that feels good in the hands.

The top of the case features cutouts for the 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, and sleep/wake button. The depth on the cutouts hits the sweet spot, as they’re easily accessible while still providing protection to the button/headphone jack.

The side of the Intellicase features a single cutout for the volume rocker and orientation/mute switch. Again, this is easily accessible.

The bottom of the case features one large cutout for both the speaker and 30-pin dock connector. The cutout is very generous here, so you shouldn’t have any problems with third-party cables.

The back of the case features a cutout for the camera, along with a slot for the flap to enter the Intellicase’s stand mode. This is my biggest complaint with this case: unless you make sure the flap is pushed entirely into the slot, you’re going to experience some instability. There has been a couple times that my iPad has fallen over on the table because I didn’t ensure that the flap was fully tucked into the slot. The flap itself isn’t the most rigid thing imaginable, either. In fact, it’s more flimsy than the Smart Cover.

However, the Intellicase is a successful case, in my opinion. I really enjoy the design of the case; you get the best of both worlds with the hard, snap-on portion and Smart Cover functionality. The result is a nicely executed case with a couple flaws that you can take with you just about anywhere. The Intellicase retails for $59.99 and can be seen on Griffin’s website.

MSRP: $59.99

Pros: Great hybrid design. Get the best of both worlds when it comes to protection and functionality.

Cons: Smart Cover-esque flap can be a little flimsy, resulting in the stand being unstable.

I’m one of those people that has a really tough time falling asleep without something to listen to.  I know it seems strange but I seem to fall asleep much quicker if I’ve got something playing on my radio.  Generally I’ll set my iPod touch to play podcast or tune my radio to sports talk, setting the timer for 30-60 minutes.  While this works well for me it doesn’t please my wife who usually is kept awake by the audio while I’m fast asleep.  The PillowSonic Under the Pillow Speakers could be a marriage saver for me. This soft, padded, pillow has two speakers hidden inside.  Once you plug in your device via the 3.5mm cable you can discretely listen to your own audio without bothering anyone else.  Click on through to check out my video review of the PillowSonic Under the Pillow Speakers.  Then head to this page on the ScotteVest web site to learn more about it.

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Acase, maker of accessories for mobile devices, has said that the Concept for new iPad and iPad2 is available now.  It is a hard shell case folio stand  available in black and white with automatic wake-up closure and stylus holder.

“Acase examined the existing products on the market and improved on their designs to create the Concept,” said Felicia Lu, Marketing Manager of Acase. “The Concept blends sturdy support and stylish design with ample protection and functionality, and is clearly one step above the rest.”

The cases has a sturdy polycarbonate back with cross grain PU leather to provide protection while making the iPad look stylish.   And the case’s display cover and back are padded with microfiber lining to protect from scratches.  Not only does the case protect the iPad, it also works as a stand.  It can be put your iPad into two positions.  It can go upright for watching videos and reading and can be laid down for typing and gaming.

The Concept is available now for $31.79 at Amazon and the Acase web site.

I don’t do well trusting brands that I have never heard of, and Cygnett fit that description perfectly. I had (very faintly) heard of Cygnett, but had not even come close to touching one of their products. I’m thankful that I got the opportunity to test out the Icon Art Series case for iPhone 4/4S.

Read on for my full remarks.

The Icon Art Series is a snap-on case that’s sure to protect the back and sides of your phone. Simply insert the iPhone button-side first and flawlessly snap the case on. The result is a fantastic fit that feels pretty incredible in your hands, but we’ll get to that later.

Both the top and bottom of the case are completely exposed, allowing access to the 3.5mm headphone jack, sleep/wake button, 30-pin dock connector, speaker, and microphone. I’m actually a fan of this, especially if the case still manages to protect the corners of phone. While you potentially lose some durability by having the top and bottom exposed, I’m a fan of minimal protection in favor of aesthetics.

The side of the Icon Art Series features two separate cutouts for the volume up/down buttons and the ring/vibrate switch. The cutouts are the perfect depth: deep enough to protect your device, but shallow enough to easily access. Cygnett really hit the sweet spot on this.

The back of the case is where the product gets its name. There are three different cases. The one I was sent has artwork done by Nathan Jurevicius. Entitled “Chihoohoo’s Tea Party”, the back of the case features a cat-like creature having a tea party. I quite enjoy the artwork, but, of course, that’s completely subjective. However, the feel of the case is incredible. Sporting a “soft-touch”, the Icon Art Series case is easily one of the most comfortable cases I’ve had on my iPhone. Thanks to the slim profile and soft-touch, you can’t go wrong.

At the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised by Cygnett’s Icon Art Series case. It covers the bare essentials in case of accidental drops, sports fantastic design and quality, and oozes style. The price is a little steep at $39.99, but you’re paying for artwork and a case, along with a screen shield, so I suppose that’s to be expected.

If you’re interested in the Cygnett Icon Art Series case for iPhone 4/4S, you can check it out on Cygnett’s website.

MSRP: $39.99

Pros: Fantastic quality and design. Just the right amount of protection for my liking.

Cons: Price may be a little steep for some.

The RokForm Rokbed V3 case is so much more than just a case.  The V3 is made up of a case and a ton of add on accessories that make an entire solution for using your iPhone 4 or 4s.  The case, which is available in 13 color variations, features a special mounting bracket which allows it to be compatible with a host of adds ons from in car mounts, to built clips, tripod adapters, a bike mount and more!  Click on through to check out my full video review of the RokForm Rokbed V3 case and many of the available add on items.  When you’re done watching be sure to visit the Apex Case web site to learn more.

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California Pacific designs has made the HAND Stylus, the world’s smallest retractable, rotating, and replaceable tip for the portable electronic devices (4mm).  The product was funded through Kickstarter and reached its initial funding goal in less than two days.  The product will be on Kickstarter  for another month.. The stylus has a hexagonal barrel design like the classic six-sided yellow pencil.  Now tablet owners can draw, sketch, take notes, and retouch photos more efficiently with most touch-screen tablets or phones.

“I’ve purchased dozens of styluses in a quest to find one that performs less like a blunt finger and more like the fine-tipped pens and pencils I use in my design work,” said Steve King, designer of HAND Stylus. “None of them have all the features creative professionals and everyday tablet doodlers need, so I created the HAND Stylus.”

The HAND Stylus’ unique slim tip rotates every time it is retracted which results in wear more evenly over time.   It  is also unique with its stainless-steel, removable pocket clip that sticks to the magnets in an iPad’s Smart Cover.

The Stylus is made of aerospace-grade anodized aluminum comes  in six gloss or matte colors – black, red, green, blue, pink and orange.  You can also have your stylus engraved.  The HAND Stylus is presented in a modern-looking tin gift box and include six-packs of replacement tips.

 For a $25 contribution, people will be sent a HAND Stylus on Kickstarter  in any color and finish with free U.S. shipping.

Bigger contributions include:

• $30 or more  One Plus – One HAND Stylus in any color and finish plus one six-pack of replacement tips. Free U.S. shipping.
• $35 or more – Laser Engraved – One HAND Stylus in any color and finish with laser-engraved slogan – “HAND – The Mind’s Cutting Edge” – and one six-pack of replacement tips. Free U.S. Shipping.
• $50 or more – Multiple Choice – Add the number of styluses at $25 each + six packs of replacement tips to get the total pledge amount. Free U.S. shipping.
• $180 or more – Six Pack – Six HAND Styluses, one of each of the five colors + black in choice of matte or gloss finish plus 6 six-packs of replacement trips. Free U.S. Shipping.
• $360 or more – Baker’s Dozen – One HAND Stylus in every gloss and matte color + 3 black styluses and 13 six-packs of replacement tips. Free U.S. shipping.

For more information on the HAND Stylus, follow them on Kickstarter, Facebook and Twitter.

Love to play piano?  Sound designer?  Composer?  Amateur?  Well then the Line 6 Mobile Keys 49 and 25 Keyboard Controllers are right for you.  I have recently been dabbling in audio composing and this plug and play device is perfect to get the job done.  This is the first cross platform device that works on PC, Mac and iOS devices without any interface.  This plugs directly into the iPhone, iPad or iPod and with the proper application, you can be playing away composing!  Another HOT feature of the Line 6 Mobile Keys is it’s very low power consumption.  You would think a controller of this type would drain your battery, but it won’t.  I play a little piano, but I actually had a chance to sit down with a professional composer and sound engineer who really put the Mobile Keys to the test.

Head on in to view the video and see how it held up!  If you’d like to learn more about the Line 6 Mobile Keys click here.

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The id America ICE series case is one of the best fitting cases for the iPhone that I’ve had a chance to review.  So I was pretty excited when the company announced the launch of their newest case, the Hue, which uses the same body and design of the ICE case but offers a soft touch finish.  The Hue case comes in a ton of bright and vibrant colors and each cases comes with both a front and a back screen protector.  Priced at under $20 this might just too good to be true.  Is it?  You’ll have to click on through and watch my video review to find out. When you’re finished watching click here to jump to the product page on the id America web site.

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Just Mobile just gets Apple accessories.  There are among a small group of companies who make accessory items for Apple devices that look as though Apple could have made the items themselves.   The Gum Max packs a gigantic 10,400 mAh of recharging power and it works with virtually any device that can be charged via a USB cable, including the iPad.  The all aluminum body of the Gum Max looks like it belongs next to an iMac or Mac Book Pro and comes complete with a 30-pin cable and a handy carrying pouch.

Head on in after the break to watch my full review of the Gum Max.  When you’re done watching click here to jump to the Just Mobile web site where you can learn more about it.

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I’m a fan of using a Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad.  There is no shortage of choices when it comes to finding an external, wireless keyboard style case for the iPad either.  When I look for one I look for one that’s different.  Something that offers features that aren’t available in every single, plain, folio style keyboard case already on the market.  The NewTrent Air Bender Case for the new iPad certainly seems to fit this requirement.  How so?  Click on through to check out my video review and find out.  When you’re done watching click here to be taken the to product page on the NewTrent web site.

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