At First CES Since Its Debut, No Shortage Of Accessories For iPad

By John Laposky On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Many attendees of International CES expect this to be the year of the tablet device and it all started last year with Apple’s introduction of the iPad.

Nine months after its debut, accessories for the iPad and other tablets will be flooding the show floor. Here is a rundown of some of them:

OmniMount is introducing the IES1 iPad/e-reader stand that props an iPad or any tablet device upright for hands-free use. It was designed specifically for the iPad and Amazon’s Kindle, but it will support any multimedia device up to 9.5 inches wide. Users can rotate the device from portrait to landscape without removing it from the stand, and then lock it in place in either position, Omni- Mount said. Rubber grips line the arms, protecting the device from scratches.

SDI Technologies is showing three iHomebranded products, including the iDM70 protective sleeve/ speaker system for iPad. The $99.99-suggested iDM 70 features a six-position stand, NXT’s flat-panel stereo speaker technology, and embedded lithium- ion battery that can be charged by an included USB cable.

Alco Electronics is introducing three new RCA portable sound systems for the iPad. All three RCA products — the RPD160A, RPD163A and RPD1688A — feature free iPad (and iPhone apps), a digital PLL-tuning FM radio, remote control and fullrange stereo speakers. Each supports playback and charging of the iPad.

The RPD160A has a detachable base and mounting keyholes for a low-profile wall mount option.

The RPD163A is equipped with a 40-watt amplifier and large ported enclosure for bigger sound and audio quality, and the 20-watt RPD1688A features standalone two-way, full-range speakers for stereo separation and audio fidelity.

Kanex is introducing a 30-pin-to-HDMI adapter cable that will connect an iPad to an HDTV for media playback on a larger screen

Spectra Merchandising International is introducing a Jensen docking speaker system for the iPad, the JiPS-250i. It features an adjustable dock and is designed to hold the iPad at various angles for easy viewing. The dock also rotates for landscape viewing and can be angled to allow easy access to the iPad’s built-in touchscreen keyboard. The suggested retail is $99.99.

The speaker system is also compatible with an iPod Touch and iPhone and features aluminum cone speakers. It has easy-access controls mounted on the front of the docking bay and remote control. The Jensen app is a free download from iTunes and features an enhanced main screen with both clock and current weather display.

DMAC International is offering its Mbrdz (Mobile Bridge) line of Apple-related accessories including the Crystal iPad CaseStand and Korean Celebrity Edition cases, which feature various Korean pop and movie stars on iPhone/iPad/ iPod Touch cases.

iGi is announcing expanded worldwide distribution and an advanced feature set for its i-Got-Control plugand- play IR dongle that turns an iPad into a universal IR remote control .

The company boasts a database of more than 40,000 IR codes and the dongle allows a user to customize event macros for switching between components with a one-touch command.

It retails for $59.95 and is available now.

IQ Smart Solutions is unveiling its IQ-1350 iPad headrest mount for rearseat entertainment use. It’s a non-permanent solution that can be installed in minutes in most cars equipped with adjustable headrests, the company said. The kit includes the headrest mount with patented IQ receiver head, two sets of headrest post adapters, and one iPad case coated in a protective soft-touch finish. Universal mounting tabs for use with other portable devices are also included. Available this month, the product has a suggested retail of $49.95.

Also offering a car mount is Nextbase, showing its Click & Go iPad Active car mount which connects to the vehicle’s power system and can be accessorized with separately available headphones with two-channel infrared transmission technology. The system is designed to meet or exceed U.S. and European crash test standards, the company said.

Shipments are set for spring, with pricing yet to be announced.

Another company offering a headrest mount is Bracketron, who is also bringing a desktop iPad stand to the show.

Scosche is showing it FreedomMic series of Bluetooth lavalier microphones, including a model compatible with the iPad.

LensPen is unveiling SideKick, a new screencleaning tool specially designed to clean iPads and tablet touchscreens. Easy to use and requiring no tissues, cloths, sprays or liquids, SideKick features the same carbon technology used in other LensPen products to remove fingerprints and greasy blemishes from camera lenses and other fine optics, the company said. Pricing and availability will be available at the show.

ThermaPak is introducing its new iPad ice pad that features patented heat-shift technology for enhanced user comfort and access to all iPad connectors and buttons. Shipping and pricing information is available at the show.

Timbuk2 is debuting a lineup of sleeves and accessories designed to carry e-readers, laptops, netbooks, tablets and smartphones, including the Kickstand Cover for iPad, a foam shell sleeve with faux fur lining and internal molded attachments; the lowprofile Pop Up Sleeve with high-density foam and ballistic nylon with faux fur lining; the Plush Sleeve a TSA-approved ballistic nylon sleeve with high-density memory foam; the Scuba Sleeve, a neoprene sleeve with a stylish San Francisco map grid screen print; and the TSA-friendly Envelope Sleeve, a highdensity foam and ballistic nylon construction with a Velcro closure.

Timbuk2 is also showing its D-Lux Bondage messenger bag for iPads and netbooks, with ultra-studded protection sleeve.

Vantage Point is introducing at the show a line of iPad stands and mounts designed for dedicated uses where iPads are installed as information portals, entertainment equipment, interface screens or control devices and are not intended to be on the go.

An aluminum iPad frame and bezel is the backbone of the line. Shipped with thumb screws for easy installation the mount can be attached directly to any surface in landscape or portrait orientation with a 1-inch mount profile. With the addition of a second aluminum plate on the iPad Frame, the mount can be made to rotate 90 degrees, adding just more than a half-inch to the profile.

For easy on/ off installations, Vantage Point had created an aluminum slide-together interface between the iPad Frame and mounting surface. The iPad Lift-Off mount can be mounted to any surface, is J-box compatible, features 90-degree rotation and extends 1.8 inches.

The iPad Pan mount offers the additional features of smooth tilt and side-to-side movement, while still featuring 90-degree rotation.

The iPad Swing mount is the most versatile mount in the line, the company said. Featuring a 6-inch swing arm, this mount allows 180 degrees of smooth tilt and 90 degrees of rotation and through wiring.

Retail on these mounts range from $80 to $150. All products will be available this month. Mount maker WallWizard is introducing ControlWand, what it calls the “first app for motorized mount control by Apple devices and smartphones.” It is an App and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter combination that allows an iPad to be used to control WallWizard motorized mounts via auto, manual and gyro modes. In the gyro mode, the motion of the mount is synchronized with the motion of the iPad. Suggested retail is $129.

Zagg is introducing the Zaggmate, an International CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree.

Zaggmate is a stand made from aircraftgrade aluminum and designed to match the look and feel of the iPad. It features a simple hinge stand for viewing and typing in both portrait and landscape mode. In addition, a builtin wireless Bluetooth keyboard allows for fast, responsive typing, the company said.

The Zaggmate with keyboard has a suggested retail of $99.99, and a version without the keyboard is priced at $69.99.