I had been an iPhone owner for something like, oh, fifteen minutes when I started to covet some cool accessories to go with it. I didn’t buy anything right away though, first I did a lot of research.
Looking for the perfect case, speakers, headphones, and extra battery for your iPhone or iPod touch? Look no further. We’ve done all the legwork for you.
1. Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids
Price: $16.99
Works with: All iPhones, iPods, and iPod touch
Why buy it: To keep little ears safe from damage
It’s scary letting your kids listen to music, movies, or games on headphones. Since you can’t judge the volume yourself, you worry constantly. These child safe headphones limit output to a safe volume, and fit kids as young as two. Don’t forget to buy a splitter
Price: $139.95
Works with: iPhones, iPods, and iPod touch
Why buy it: Adult-sized earbuds are really uncomfortable for kids
The headphones listed above are great, but will be drowned out by jet engine noise if you need to use them on a plane. Plus they won’t fit you. Pick up a pair or two of these ultra-comfortable ear-cupping headphones for travel and adult use. We absolutely love ours and fight over them on every flight we take.
3. OtterBox Defender Case
Price: $30.56
Works with: iPhone 3G and 3G S
Why buy it: To protect your expensive iPhone from your kids
If, like us, you’re going to be handing over your very expensive iPhone to your young children on a regular basis, take the precaution of protecting both the screen and the body from scratches and drops with this almost-bulletproof case.
Price: $79.95
Works with: iPhone 3G, 3G S
Why buy it: To extend your battery life for long flights, drives, or dinners at your in laws
Ignore the persnickety reviews of this slim, convenient lifesaver of a back-up battery which slips over your iPhone like a case. The chief complaints against it are 1) It interferes with your cell phone signal, and 2) The micro-USB connector on the charger is flimsy. Both immaterial, if you ask us.
If you’re a parent looking to extend your battery life so your kids can play games and watch movies, it’s perfect. Ditto if you’re the absent minded type who sometimes forgets to charge your phone.
Price: $113.40
Works with: iPhones, iPods, and iPod touch
Why buy it: Share your music at home and charge your device at the same time
Looks great. Sounds great. Works with iPhones, iPods, and the iPod touch. Charges your device while it’s playing. Lets incoming calls through. About a third the cost of the Bose system. Any questions?
Price: $28.86
Works with: iPhone and iPod touch
Why buy it: Charge your device in the car while simultaneously listening to music
Being on four wheels shouldn’t stop you from charging and listening to your iPhone or iPod touch. This device automatically finds the best FM frequency to send your music to and charges your iPhone at the same time. It can also broadcast songs from apps like Pandora, Slacker, and iHeart Radio.
FM Transmitters are by no means perfect (and user reviews seem disproportionately skewed toward dissatisfaction), but they usually work pretty well and the price is right.
7. Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth Car KitPrice: $78.15
Works with: iPhone and iPod touch
Why buy it: Talk in your car hands free and listen to your music
A handy Bluetooth in-car speakerphone that not only lets you talk hands free, but also broadcasts your music through your car stereo. Won’t charge your phone, but has plenty of talk, play, and standby time. Clips to the driver’s visor like a garage door opener.
8. Apple Composite AV CablePrice: $49
Works with: iPhones, iPods, and iPod touch
Why buy it: To play your iPhone and iPod touch videos on TV when you travel
I recently stayed in a hotel with my son and was shocked to see that the cost of in-room pay-per-view movies is now $12.95. Also, the selection sucked. If I had had this combination charger/connector, I could have played movies or television shows (rented or purchased through the iTunes store) through our hotel television instead. Believe you me: I have it now.
If your TV (or your friend’s, your mom’s, or hotel’s) has component inputs (five connections instead of three), you’ll need the Apple Component AV Cable instead.
