More iPhone Accessories Hit The Shelves

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 8/6/2007

NEW YORK — Another slate of iPhone accessories was recently announced, and the rate of product introductions shows no signs of slowing.

Macally, based in Ontario-Calif., debuted a variety of accessories to be used in the car and on the go.

The mClip and mClip-X are protective belt clips designed to keep the iPhone securely hooked to a belt and swiveled in vertical or horizontal positions. Upon detaching from the belt, the clip stays open, so it doubles as a stand. Both have a $19.99 suggested retail.

The hard leather mCase features cutouts for easy access to all controls and ports, while the micro-suede inner lining delivers enhanced cushioning. It has a $19.99 suggested retail.

Billed by Macally as a lightweight protective case, the mSleeve ($19.99) is engineered to offers a slim profile for reduced bulk while still protecting the iPhone from damage and scuffs. It also has a side-to-top opening for earphone connection.

The mPouch ($19.99) is constructed of leather and features a snap-button belt loop and a micro-suede inner lining. The front cover opens and connects to the case as a stand, offering two different viewing angles. It also comes with a cable management strap to keep earphones neatly stored.

The USBPower ($29.99) is a universal USB AC charger and a USB car charger. The USB power adapter includes four different interchangeable plugs for use in United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as in more than 150 countries. It offers built-in circuit protection and standard USB port, and it supports 100VAC to 240VAC input. The included car charger plugs into any rental car power/cigarette lighter outlet when traveling abroad. A carrying pouch is included.

Engineered to draw power through the power/cigarette lighter outlet, the USBCig2 car charger features an LED power indicator and connects to an iPhone with an existing dock-to-USB cable (not included). It has a $14.99 suggested retail.

All products are currently available.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) unveiled two new versions of its HipCase, now available in brown leather and black nylon. They have suggested retails of $34.99 and $29.99, respectively, and both are currently available.

Like its predecessor, the newest leather HipCase is constructed of leather for a form-fitting hip holster. If offers a snug fit and padded cover, with a cut-out center notch. Its "unique corner" allows it to be used with Apple's headsets, said DLO, enabling users to listen to music and accept calls.

Unlike other HipCase styles, the nylon version is "vegan friendly," containing no leather or other animal-based materials. The contrasting rubber accent allows users to easily locate the protective velcro flap and retrieve the iPhone. It also includes an inside pocket.

Three cases from XtremeMac are designed to provide protection for the iPhone. The Onyx ($29.95) is made of smooth, black leather with contrasting stitching and an integrated belt clip. The SportWrap ($29.95) is a neoprene armband designed for when users wish to work out using their iPhone, and the TuffWrap ($19.95) is a two-tone case made of durable silicone. All are scheduled to become available in August.

iGoneMobile released an iPhone accessories kit that includes a crystal transparent clear case and one screen guard. The case is designed not to interfere with the proximity sensor on the iPhone and protect against drops and scratches. It is available in two transparent colors — smoke and clear — for a suggested $9.99 each.

The company also introduced its Premium line of iPhone cases. The wallet-style leather case is constructed so users can carry their cash and credit cards together with their iPhone, and includes an SD memory card slot. It has a $24.99 suggested retail.

The leather pouch case comes with a holster clip and has a $24.99 suggested retail.

Finally, the Hybrid hard-shell leather case is designed to combine the features of a hard shell and leather case; it is engineered to protect any iPhone from falls and damage, and carries a $24.99 suggested retail.

Designed as a complete protective solution, the Revo protective skin from iSkin includes a silicone protector and touch-compatible privacy film. It also comes with ViSOR, an ultra-clear polycarbonate scratch-resistant screen guard for the large iPhone screen.

The skin features a premium silicone material with an embedded anti-microbial agent that reportedly protects the product by inhibiting the growth of microbes.

It is currently available in six duotone designs for a $39.99 suggested retail.