Apps let you transform the iPhone touch screen into a wide array of different tools and entertaining diversions, but accessories can further accentuate that fun, or simply provide a great way to carry your iPhone and iPad around. Looking for some fun new accessories? Look no further!
myincipio.com
$39.99
We reviewed this gaming case for the iPod touch 4G and found it a clever way to get a handle on your device without actually soldering on a physical game controller. It’s nice that the iPad has this option, too—especially one that transforms it into a tabletop gaming machine. The Hive case doesn’t add any bulk, either, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much room in your shoulder bag. Plus, it’s low-key enough that no one will be able to tell you’ve got the case on for gaming.
boxwave.com
$24.99
Not every type of stylus works on the iPad’s large display, but BoxWave’s capacitive stylus is not only functional, but also pretty snazzy looking. The durable metal casing resembles that of a really nice pen (and is available in four different colors), and it even comes equipped with a rubberized nub that lets you attach it to the iPad’s headphone jack and carry it around. Having a stylus is ideal for taking notes or drawing on the iPad screen, as well as using the device when you’re wearing gloves or simply seeking greater precision.
etymotic.com
$179.99
Etymotic’s new hf3 headset—designed to block out ambient noise—has an inline remote for playback control (and taking calls), and they’ve added volume buttons for the ultimate in control. If you usually buy cheapo earbuds, the price of the hf3 might be a shock, but the listening experience will be leaps and bounds better than what you’re used to. If you’re looking for a great pair of noise-isolating earbuds that do double-duty as a phone headset, Etymotic’s hf3 is the new gold standard.
scosche.com
$34.99
For the media-obsessed iPhone 4 owner, this Scosche case comes with interchangeable back plates that enable you to transform the case into a stand for watching movies, engaging in a FaceTime chat, or just to have the device angled for when you’re playing music. Then, when you want to return back to normal, simply snap on one of the other two metallic-looking backings for the rest of the day. The idea is ingenious and lets you customize the case to fit your current needs at all times.
dexim.net
$69.90
Dexim’s specialized accessory ably fills three roles: a dock for charging and syncing to your Mac, a travel stand that works in landscape or portrait, and a powerful external battery. The P-Flip ($54.95) folds into a compact 3x3.5 inches, is less than half an inch thick, and weighs only 2.5 ounces. We’ve carried it in our jeans pockets, laptop sleeves, and backpacks, and even brought it to a wedding! It’s a solid performer at a reasonable price, and can be very essential to your daily life if you’re a heavy iPhone user.
goincase.com
$34.95
We love the feel of this hard-shell, matte case for iPhone 4. It’s durable, easy to slide on, and doesn’t add on any extra weight to the already rock-solid phone. Our only issue with this quality case is that it can be difficult to slide in and out with a screen protector on your phone, so use it without a film cover if you can. The case has a removable bottom end, which is great for mounting the phone on old-school iPod docks. For added coolness, you can also mix and match colors.
newpotatotech.com
$39.99
New Potato Technologies’ one-of-a-kind Pinball Magic ($39.99) accessory turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a miniature pinball machine, letting you play games like Pinball HD in a realistic (and slightly hilarious) fashion. Pinball Magic supports the iPhone 4, as well as all earlier iPhone and iPod Touch models, and the device includes an animated lighted backdrop, as well as side-mounted flippers and a realistic plunger. It’s certainly silly, but if you’re a pinball die-hard, it’ll bring you one step closer to the arcade glory days.
targus.com
$39.99
If you’re looking for an iPad messenger bag that’s a bit smaller and more pleasing to look at, the Targus Spruce EcoSmart Mini Messenger Bag ($39.99) is small enough to fit into a ginormous bag, while still maintaining a ton of pockets for your iPad’s other bits and pieces. The main compartment has a padded sleeve made especially for your iPad, and there’s also room for folded up pieces of paper, a small notebook, a couple of pens, and the iPad’s connector cables and USB wall plug—plus a compartment for your iPhone.
