Macworld Ushers In Accessories Mix

By Lisa Johnston On Feb 7 2011 - 6:01am

SAN FRANCISCO — More than 250 exhibitors attended this year’s Macworld, according to the show’s owner, IDG World Expo, with accessory manufacturers showing off their latest wares.

Many of the products at Macworld has already debuted at that other CE show in January – International CES — although a few companies decided to stick with the San Francisco show as their sole venue. TWICE has rounded up some of the most recent additions to the accessories category.

Newer Technology introduced an eSATA-to-USB 3.0 adapter for using an eSATA-equipped external hard drive with computers offering the Super- Speed USB 3.0 interface.

According to the company, the adapter offers the data-transfer benchmarks of 247MBps read speed and 206.4MBps write speed. Suggested retail is $29.95; it’s currently available.

Mimoco took the wraps off the Mimobot Blotz line of designer USB flash drives, based on the Blind Box toys. The 2GB drives come in 15 different designs from the Miami-based art duo FriendsWithYou, and are preloaded with the MimoDesk suite of character-themed wallpapers, icons, avatars and screensavers.

Suggested retail is $14.95. They’re currently available from the company’s website and from such retailers as Hot Topic and Urban Outfitters.

Youbiq, a developer of smartphone accessories, apps and services, used Macworld to introduce the Gymbl, billed as an all-in-one grip, tripod and tripod adapter for the iPhone 4. Features include a pivoting, panoramic head and a hard-shell ergonomic iPhone 4 case.

The Gymbl is available in two versions: the Gymbl grip and tripod for $69 and a Gymbl tripod adaptor for $49. They are scheduled to ship in February.

Vogel’s introduced the RingO universal iPad mounting system, designed to safely mount the tablet on walls, tables, desks or in cars. It features the company’s patented ring system, with an aluminum ring that snaps snugly onto the tablet mount.

Available immediately for all current and future iPads and other tablet PCs, the Vogel’s RingO Universal Tablet Mounting System includes a Starter Pack for $69.99 (with holder and wall mount); Home Pack for $79.99 (with holder, wall mount, and table stand); Car Pack for $99.99 (with holder, tablet stand and car mount); Presenter Pack for $89.99 (with holder, tablet stand and flip stand); and All-in-One Pack for $119.99 (with holder, wall mount, tablet stand and car mount).