IpodCase
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Apple Peel 520 gets a white finish, odds placed on beating white iPhone 4 to market
If you're gonna proverbially bear hug your iPod touch into a working cellular device, might as well get it in the trendiest color available, right? The Apple Peel 520 has now been shown off in white, a more stylish option for those wanting a case, extended battery, and freedom from the shackles of limited SIM options (at the expense of some functionality and ease of use, naturally). Still in production with no release date, but hey, if you're the sort who likes to live on the outer fringes of consumer electronics, keep this import in mind. No promises it'll work with whatever Apple has up its sleeve next, though.
How many trees must die for iWave's Earth-friendly headphones, iPhone cases? (update)
We're not experts or anything, but cutting down trees to manufacture your headphones ($30), ear buds ($20), and iPhone cases ($25) does not really seem all that "green" to us. But what good is selling stuff made from "reusable, environmentally friendly and recyclable materials" if you can't broadcast your sense of social responsibility with "rustic wood grain finishes and smooth earthy tones" that "mirror the true beauty that surrounds us?" Is we right, or is we right? The Grass Roots Collection (get it?) starts shipping August 1st. PR after the break. Update: A rep from iWave just sent in an email to assure us that no trees whatsoever were harmed in the making of the Grass Roots collection. We just want to take this opportunity to set the record straight -- and to point out that the Earth in the above illustration reminds us of a Chia Pet. Thanks!
Apple said to be pulling all protective screen film products from its stores
You may now be able to choose from a wide assortment of protective screen films at Apple's online or retail stores, but it looks like that won't be the case for much longer. As iLounge is reporting from multiple sources (and we have also heard), Apple will apparently stop selling all protective screen film products starting in May. That includes both film-only products (whether they are used for protective or anti-glare purposes), as well as cases that have a protective film built into them. For its part, Apple isn't giving any reason for the move, or confirming it itself just yet, but it seems like it might not be the most popular decision if it is the case. As iLounge points out, the single most popular iPod "case" in the Apple Store right now is, in fact, a protective film for the iPod touch.
"3rd-Generation" iPod touch accessories appear on Best Buy's website
At this point it would be bigger news if Apple didn't announce new iPods tomorrow, but just in case you had some doubts, Best Buy's gone ahead and posted up some listings for Belkin's "3rd-Generation" iPod touch cases a little early. Sadly, there aren't any pictures to be had, but hey -- we've already seen a few of these cases in person, you know? They're putting cameras in iPods, people. What happens next... is up to you.Update: And hey -- looks like there are some 5G iPod nano cases listed as well. Shocking! [Via Pocket-lint]
Road Tested: Otterbox's serious iPhone case
I bought my 4GB iPhone way back on June 29th, 2007, release day for the US. Upon removing it from its box, all shiny and smooth, I thought, "I need a case for this thing." I'm what you call scratch-phobic. But then I saw the rigorous torture test that PCWorld subjected their unit to, and was persuaded to go commando. Here it is nearly two years later and my iPhone's display still looks great. There's a single nick next to the earpiece but other than that it looks fantastic. The back is another story.I have two kids aged 4 years and 6 years. Occasionally, I'll hand over the iPhone to keep them entertained. For instance, at the end of a day of boring errands when their patience is at an end, I'll whip out a little Wheels On The Bus [App Store link] or Pocket God. As any parent of young kids will tell you, one of the things they love to do is drop stuff.My iPhone has seen the floor of the mall, Dunkin Donuts and my Saturn Vue. It's been in sand and sun. In other words, it needs protection. I picked up an Otterbox.%Gallery-50564%
Clear iPod case pulls double duty with rotating speakers
iPod cases with built-in speakers have amazingly been around the block a time or two before. We're guessing the reason shelves aren't flooded with 'em today has quite a bit to do with the presumably lackluster sound quality / output potential. Nevertheless, those hoping to find just a case for their precious new iPod classic need look no further, as the rotating speakers case for iPod is here to make your dreams come true. Reportedly, the $60.72 enclosure works just fine with 80/160GB iPod classic models as well as 30/60/80GB 5G iPods, but considering that each of the stereo drivers pumps out under 1-watt per, you should probably plan on tossing this bad boy over your right shoulder like we did back in 1985 in order to hear anything.[Via popgadget]
Shimura's full metal iPod jacket is born to kill
Practical? No. Still, there's something about this Shimura full metal iPod jacket which makes us want to love it long time. It ships direct from Japan for something like ¥17,900 (about $165). Yeah, that's bit fubar.[Via Akihabara News]
How to make a ... really ugly iPod Game Boy case
Okay, we've posted some things here from time to time that show how you can take some retro pieces of gaming equipment, and repurpose it into something wonderful and new. This is not one of those posts.However, if you have an unused Game Boy sitting around gathering dust somewhere, and you're looking to house your iPod inside something made by Nintendo, then you can check out the iPod Game Boy case. The cool thing is, they've wired the front buttons to mimic the click wheel controls, and you can even change the volume. It might not look pretty, but it's functional and retro. What more can you ask for?[Via wonderland]
Illuminator's first product: the Bevy iPod Shuffle case
Sure, we've seen an iPod Shuffle go mano a mano with a knife-wielding owner, but the first product from Morphie's Illuminator project takes on bumps, drops, and bottle tops with the best of 'em. The aptly-titled Bevy wears a number of hats, the most obvious of which is a dashing 2G Shuffle protective case, but other built-in functions include acting as a key ring, earbud wrap, and bottle opener for when times are desperate. The Illuminator project was unveiled at this year's Macworld, and while hundreds of entries found their way in, this is the first of three winning designs chosen to be produced and sold to the public. The Bevy is currently available for pre-ordering in green, pink, blue, orange, and silver for $15.
DLO Jam Jacket with cord management
Here's a great idea. Digital Life Outfitters is releasing a new Jam Jacket silicone iPod case with a twist: integrated earbud and cord management. As you can see, your Apple earbuds fit into the molds and the cord wraps around the back. This way you only have to unwrap as much of the cord as you need. Brilliant! The Jam Jacket with cord management is also affordable at $19.99; there also a version for the 2nd generation nano for the same price. I think I may just have to pick up one of these.[Via iLounge]
Philips to acquire DLO, expand peripheral offerings
Continuing the hot streak of industry madness going down on this eventful Friday the 13th is Philips, as it has announced plans to acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) in an attempt to compliment the firm's headphone / DAP offerings with a smorgasbord of other peripherals and accessories for mobile devices. Essentially, Philips is hoping that the deal will allow it to "become a leading player in peripherals and accessories market for the mobility domain," and considering the vast amount of DAP / PMP toting individuals out there eying such niceties as the HomeDock, iBoom Travel, and the obligatory colored carrying case, it's probably not a bad move. Interestingly, Philips is actually taking over a firm who pumps out products for two competing music players, but a spokesperson for the company played the rivalry down by suggesting that DLO's products were "designed for all of the players on the market." Although pricing details weren't readily available, Philips is planning to complete the acquisition by Q2's end, and hopes to make DLO more predominant "outside of the US while broadening its product portfolio."[Via Reuters]
Boomwave??? Bearaphim iPod case
A word of caution to diabetics: this iPod case is so cute and so sweet that it may just turn your stomach, let alone make you need to inject insulin. In a design that's calculated to make people utter "Awwww! Look at the cute widdle iPod case! Isn't it the cutest widdle iddy biddy nano case evah!", Boomwave Products offers a protective nano case with Teddy-bear ears and angel wings. (The wings let you wrap your earbud wires when they're not in use.) And if that weren't enough, each case comes with a matched doggy tag for users to wear so they can feel close to their iPod case even when they're not actually, you know, listening to music. And of course, you'll have a "beary good time" with it. Shudder.
Elecom busts out bicycle-style locks for iPods
You can add Japan's prolific Elecom to the growing number of companies providing varying levels of protection for the countless theft-attracting iPods being toted about, with the company bringing some familiar security measures to bear on the problem. Available for both 5G iPods and 1st and 2nd gen iPod nanos, and in your choice of black or white, the locks will add a bit of heft to your otherwise portable device but should keep any would-be thieves from running off with it, not to mention yourself when you forget the combination. Those of you with better memories than us, however, can sang either model now for 5,040 Yen, or just over forty bucks. [Via Crave]
Game Boy modded for less Tetris, more iPod
An NES controller-enhanced iPod is one thing, but to really put that tried-and-true old school Nintendo industrial design to some blasphemous new uses you'll have to do what Flickr user "sirljohns" did, gutting an original Game Boy to make quite possibly the most badass iPod case ever. Sadly, the only Tetris you'll be playing on the Game Boy once you're done with it is the iPod's own pale imitation, but at least you'll still be able to make use of the Game Boy's well-worn buttons, as they're wired up to an internal dock connector to allow for full control without requiring you to slice open the iPod itself. The less technically proficient among us may want to click down a bit further in sirljohns Flickr photostream, where you'll find details on modifying a vintage Sony WM-F10 Walkman for a less functional but only slightly less stylin' iPod case.[Via MAKE:Blog]
Lace corset iPod case
As my valet was preparing breakfast for me today in TUAW's underground HQ he turned to me and said, 'Sir, you haven't blogged about iPod cases in a good while.' I pondered this and realized, with a start, that he was right. Luckily, fate intervened when I happened upon this Nicole Miller iPod case (which can also serve as a cell phone or Blackberry case).$25 will get you this odd little case, which I haven't decided if I like or not (though it would clash with most of my wardrobe).[via Shiny Shiny]
Mophie Wraptor for 2nd gen iPod shuffle
Mophie has these cool new cases for the new iPod shuffles. The Wraptor doesn't just protect your tiny iPod with a composite Lexan shell, it provides convenient, tangle-free headphone/earbud storage as well. It does so with a precision engineered groove that goes around the entire case so you can wrap your wires around neatly and snugly.Although I only see the crystal clear cases on their site right now, I'm told there will be other colors available, like pink, smoke and blue. Looks pretty good for $10! Stocking stuffers, anyone?
How to: Make a travel case for your second gen iPod shuffle
This How To might have a limited audience, since it is only relevant to people who own the following items: Apple in-ear headphones a second gen iPod shuffle The in-ear headphones come with a case that is suitable for use as an iPod shuffle case, with some alterations. Follow these instructions, which consist mainly of getting rid of the pins inside the headphone case, and you've got yourself an Apple branded shuffle case. Pretty sweet.[via MAKE]
Follow-up on the iFrogz Tadpole iPod case for kids
iFrogz finally has the Tadpole page and pics up and now that I see it it's even cooler than I'd expected! I'm impressed by the design and the intent and as an added bonus the Tadpole comes with the "Screenz" protective film for the front so the screen and clickwheel are covered as well. Screenz include your choice of stock or custom decals that tattoo the click-wheel, allowing you to to personalize the Tadpole any way you see fit with your own images.You can pre-order the Tadpole now for $20 ($5 off the regular price) and it's expected to ship on Nov 1. Unfortunately for my darling niece it currently comes in only orange and purple... not a pink Tadpole in sight :(
Designer "Skulls" iPod holder from Muff
I don't usually post about iPod holders (unless they are DIY, interactive, or just plain silly), but the new designer series from Muff caught my eye. Muff showed up on TUAW back in October, but lacked this designer series. Despite their lack of a window or access to controls, I find them stylish and graphically pleasing. I have a weakness for skulls like the design shown here by Aussie designer Drunk Park, aka Seb Godfrey.[via iLounge]
Now this is an iPod case
This is the best iPod case I have ever seen, with a compartment for every iPod ever made. Wow.Check out more pictures here.This wacky case gets me to thinking, how many iPods do you own? I just have one (an iPod photo at that!). How about you?[via Make]
