iMainGo2 Portable Speakers for iPhone [Video Review]

I have really enjoyed the quality, portability and protection offered by the iMainGo 2 iPhone speakers. Watch this video for my complete review:

Summary of iMainGo2 & Video Review

In summary, the iMainGo2 case is ultra protective, including a plastic screen that does not hinder use of the iPhone’s touchscreen. The plastic screen suffers from air bubbles, but the protection is invaluable. I love using the iMainGo2 while I cook or garden outdoors, since I can control the music without getting my iPhone dirty.
The speakers offer loud, high fidelity audio, although they sometimes “crunch” a little bit at the highest volume levels. They are definitely loud enough, though.
Overall, I have been happy with the iMainGo2, but I would love to see some controls on the case to allow me to use the iPhone’s volume buttons and the on/off switch. I would also like to be able to receive phone calls while the iPhone is in the case, since the iMainGo2 does not allow access to the microphone.
Update: I’ve realized that I sometimes forget to turn the unit off, and that’s because the on/off button for the iMainGo2 is inside the case. I would really appreciate an LED light on the outside of the case so that I know when it is turned on.

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Solve the iPhone 4 Antenna Issue With These Decals

Update #2: Congrats to the winners: Ryan, Kristina, Ritchie, The Junk Monger, Rob, Zack, Mike, Benjamin, Chris and Mary. I have sent you emails requesting a mailing address. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Update #1: Amanda of CraftyGalDecals has offered to donate 10 single packs of the iPhone 4 decal wraps. Leave a comment on this post to receive yours. Let me know if you have a color preference.
Not satisfied with Steve Jobs’ answer to the iPhone 4 antenna issue? To avoid blocking the antenna signal when holding the iPhone 4 left-handed, Jobs says simply “stop holding it that way” or use a case. Gee, thanks. Jobs’ suggestions are not ideal fixes for many people, including Etsy seller CraftyGalDecals, who came up with her own smart solution to the iPhone 4 reception issue.

CraftyGal has devised a simple vinyl strip that blocks the conductivity from your finger from interfering with the iPhone 4 antenna. Although I have not tested the decals myself, they should theoretically work, considering an iPhone case has the same effect. As someone who sometimes likes to go without a case — to get the “real” iPhone experience, as Apple intended — I appreciate this alternative solution.
The decals come in a multitude of colors, and add style to your new iPhone without the need for a case. Plus they will protect the bezel of your iPhone 4. You can purchase them from the CraftyGalDecals Etsy store in single packs or in sets of three.
The seller has offered to donate a few decal sets to my readers, so leave a comment if you want one and I will select the winners by Tuesday, July 6. In exchange for the gift, I simply ask that you come back here and comment to tell me if the decal solved your iPhone 4 antenna problem.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win.

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Arkon Car Mounts for iPhone 4 [Review]

Arkon is a manufacturer of car mounts for the iPhone. The company recently sent me a couple of mounting solutions for the iPhone 4, and I have been testing them out for the past month.
The package Arkon sent me contained the following items:

1. SM012 – Mini Weighted Friction Dashboard Mount
2. GN014-SBH – Travelmount Mini Swivel Windshield Suction Pedestal
3. AP013 Circular Adhesive Dashboard Disk
4. GN015-HPB-2 Mini Windshield Suction Pedestal
5. SM050-2 Slim-Grip Holder

First Impressions

I have to say I was a bit overwhelmed when I first received the package due to the sheer number of parts. First there is the weighted dashboard mount — which if I may be honest is far from “mini” as the product name states. Then there is an adhesive hook to prevent the weighted mount from sliding off the dashboard. Then there is the pedestal that attaches to the mount. The pedestal is comprised of several parts which you have to assemble, including the plastic pedestal itself, the Slim-Grip holder, and four support legs that you have to slide into the holder before you can mount your iPhone.
Phew! That’s a lot of parts. As Apple customers, we want products that “just work,” as the old Mac slogan goes. I don’t want to have to read an instruction manual to figure out how to use this thing. I just want to take it out of the box and use it.

Arkon iPhone 4 Mounts Reviewed

After assembling both mounts (the friction dashboard mount and the adhesive dashboard disk), I found the friction dashboard mount to be cumbersome, far from “mini,” and not well fitted to my dashboard. On the other hand, I found the adhesive disk to be a much smarter solution.

The friction mount was in fact too large to fit anywhere but right in the center of my dashboard, and even there it was difficult to hook it to the safety hook due to lack of space. Arkon advertises this mount as more portable, since you can use it in several vehicles, however my package only contained one adhesive safety hook, which is not portable yet is vital to preventing the mount from sliding off your dashboard.

The Arkon Pedestals

The one subtle difference between the GN014-SBH and the GN015-HPB-2 is that the latter allows you to adjust the angle of the holder higher or lower, in addition to the swivel ball that both pedestals feature. I like the swivel ball because it allows for easy manipulation of the iPhone’s position.
The suction cup can be attached to either the mount or to the windshield. In my experience, the suction cup was reliable and never became detached from either the mount or the windshield.

The Slim-Grip Holder

The only holder that Arkon offers for the iPhone 4 is the Slim-Grip Holder, and I must say this part makes the Arkon mount a deal breaker for me. The Slim-Grip Holder requires you to slide four support legs into grooves in the holder, but I found this to be troublesome. The reason is apparently that this is a universal mount, and so the support legs can be adjusted to suit any phone. The problem for me was that these legs were difficult to adjust without using considerable force.

Furthermore, to mount the iPhone, you need to pull the spring-loaded grip mechanism down and then it will spring back up and secure the phone to the holder. This sounds practical in theory but it is not ideal because a) it’s a pain in the butt to pull the grip mechanism down with one hand while mounting your iPhone with the other, and b) the spring puts considerable pressure on the iPhone 4, which makes me slightly uncomfortable.
I would much prefer a holder that was fitted perfectly for the iPhone 4 so that I could be spared the trouble of adjusting the legs and the inconvenience of mounting the phone with the spring mechanism.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I like the swivel pedestal and the adhesive dashboard disk, but I was not a fan of the friction mount or the Slim-Grip holder. Show me a fitted holder that I don’t have to fiddle with too much, one that “just works,” and then I might change my mind.
Thanks sincerely to Arkon for providing these mounts for review. I hope the company will consider implementing some of this feedback into their product line. For pricing and other details, visit the Arkon page for iPhone 4.

Arkon Car Mount for iPhone 4

Buy on Amazon: Arkon IPM515 with Slim-Grip Holder
Shop: Arkon iPhone Mount
Manufacturer: Arkon

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Sunday Shopping: Rugged Cases, Sound Amplifying Car Mount, Speaker Case & More

Welcome to Sunday Shopping, a new series where I highlight the week’s most interesting iPhone accessories from the new AppleiPhoneReview.com shop.
Today’s Sunday Shopping installment will highlight a collection of tough iPhone cases, a car mount that doubles as a passive amplifier for your iPhone, a case that also charges your iPhone, and more. All orders in the shop are directed through Amazon.com for the best prices & customer service.

1. Rugged iPhone Cases

First, check out our roundup of rugged iPhone cases, a collection of must-have cases if you are at all worried about damaging your iPhone. Because over 300 readers have written into this blog with stories of cracked iPhone screens, a rugged iPhone case is undoubtedly a wise investment.

I have personally reviewed the Otterbox Defender and can attest to its toughness. In the shop, I have listed 7 iPhone cases that are among the most rugged:
View Rugged iPhone Cases»

2. Kensington iPhone Mount

What sets the Kensington iPhone Mount apart from other car mounts for the iPhone is its Sound Amplifying system, which channels noise from the iPhone’s built-in speaker and outputs it at double the volume. This passive sound amplification requires no battery or cables.
View Kensington iPhone Mount»

3. iMainGo2 Speakers

I have previously tested the iMainGo2 speakers and can vouch for the reliability of this speaker case. It cushions your iPhone and protects it well while blasting music out of small speakers that are surprisingly loud. It’s even got a wrist strap for carrying the speaker case around with you.
The iMainGo2 is also compatible with other portable media devices, including smartphones and iPods. For a more high-tech counterpart to the iMainGo2, see the iMainGo X.
View iMainGo2 Speakers»

4. Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 4

The Mophie Juice Pack is a unique iPhone case in that it is also an add-on battery for your iPhone. The Mophie Juice Pack is said to double the iPhone’s battery life while also protecting your iPhone.
For such a powerful battery, it is surprisingly slim and won’t add too much bulk to your pocket or purse.
View Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone» What did you think of this Sunday Shopping installment? Have you tried any of these iPhone accessories? Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

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Spider Podium for iPhone by Breffo [Review]

The Spider Podium by Breffo is not your average iPhone stand. It is advertised as a “flexible gadget grip and travel dock” that can adapt to many different mounting situations. So how does it fare in the real world?

Spider Podium for iPhone Reviewed

You’ve got to hand it to Breffo for coming up with such a creative mounting solution. The Spider Podium has, as you might expect, eight legs that are multi-jointed and extremely flexible. It will hoist up any generation iPhone, including those with cases. And the possibilities for mounting with the Spider Podium are nearly endless.

You can mount it to the dish rack so that you can refer to a recipe while you cook;

prop it on your desk while you crank through your to-do list;

or even hang it from the soundhole of your acoustic guitar while you read the lyrics to a song you’re playing.
The Spider Podium is great for creative people because it’s like play-doh with a purpose. Once you use it for a few days, you’ll start to come up with unique mounting setups for a number of different situations.
So it’s great for creative people, but for the rest of us? As my friend who observed me using it said, “seems interesting, but not practical.” The one problem with the Spider Podium is that it takes some time and some fiddling around to get the podium mounted where you want it. When you’re rushing to get on the road, do you really have time to bend a bunch of little parts to get this thing to mount on the air vents of your dashboard? Better to just get a car mount.
Nevertheless, you do get a better hang of the Spider Podium the more you use it. And despite the time it takes, there is no other mount as versatile and as fun to use as the Spider Podium.

Pros

• Highly versatile, with eight jointed and bendable legs
• No annoying parts like screws, brackets, etc.
• Fun to mount your iPhone on (almost) anything
• More affordable than getting different mounts for different purposes. Sells for ~$20 USD

Cons

• Takes time/patience to mold and attach
• Cannot be mounted on large objects, only on objects that its legs can wrap around
• Not the most stable mount. Although Breffo advertises it used on a bike, I wouldn’t take the chance.

SPIDERPODIUM
Gadget grip and travel dock

Buy on Amazon: Breffo Spiderpodium Stand for iPhone
Manufacturer: Breffo

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7 Neat iPhone Accessories Just Added to the iPhone Shop

Here is a brief rundown of 7 neat iPhone accessories just added to the AppleiPhoneReview.com iPhone shop.
Be sure to visit the shop to check out these and other top-notch iPhone accessories.

1. Cassette iPhone Case

A retro silicone iPhone case that is both stylish and affordable. Flash back to the ’80s and ’90s with this classic cassette iPhone case.
Cassette iPhone case»

2. Retractable iPhone Car Charger

This retractable iPhone car charger prevents a mess of cables while you’re charging your iPhone in the car. Due to the tidiness factor and its low price, I’ve named this the best iPhone car charger in the shop.
Retractable iPhone car charger»

3. iPhone Horn Stand

This iPhone horn stand amplifies your iPhone’s built-in speaker by 13 decibels without the need for a battery or power source. Cool!
iPhone horn speaker»

4. Gameboy iPhone Case

This Gameboy iPhone case is great for Nintendo-loving iPhone owners. Protect your iPhone in style with this retro and affordable silicone case.
Gameboy iPhone case»

5. NUU Minikey iPhone Keyboard

The NUU Minikey iPhone keyboard is for those iPhone users who can’t quite get used to the iPhone’s touchscreen keyboard. The NUU Minikey for iPhone is a case that doubles as a portable physical keyboard.
Nuu Minikey iPhone keyboard»

6. Six-Foot Long iPhone Cable

At 6 feet in length, this basic white iPhone USB cable lets you charge your iPhone from those hard to reach spots.
Six-Foot iPhone Cable»

7. Looxcie Wearable Camcorder for iPhone

The Looxcie camcorder for iPhone is a Bluetooth headset that lets you record video of your most cherished moments without the need to take your hands or eyes off the action. This sleek wearable camcorder also takes phone calls just like your typical Bluetooth headset.
Looxcie iPhone camcorder»

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5 Hot Accessories for Your iPhone That Matter

Your iPhone isn’t just something that’s nice to have — it’s something that can really make or break your mobile experience. Just because you have a shiny new iPhone doesn’t mean that you have to settle for just the stock features. Now, you might have already added new iPhone apps to your life, and that’s definitely a great start. However, if you really want to roll with the big boys, you need to make sure that you get a phone that really screams — and that means getting an iPhone with attitude. You want to get hardware accessories that are going to really make you feel like you’re holding onto something really great with the iPhone, not just something that you’ll want to get rid of in 6 months or less.
We hate to break it to you, but it’s really the accessories that make the iPhone worth having. Sure, you can go without a few accessories, but the truth is that you won’t have a great experience. The entire point of being able to let the iPhone control your world is that you won’t need to look too far beyond the phone in order to get things done. If you have to reach for your laptop, is there really a reason to have an iPhone? The key here is to be mobile, and mobile is definitely a good thing.
So let’s get down to business: just what accessories are we talking about? Here’s a list.
1. A Camera Lens!
Surprise! Your iPhone can be more camera than you might have realized at first glance. You see, you can get a nice telescopic lens for your camera. This will give you the ability to snap some really hot photos, and you can actually get better zoom than if you were to just stick to camera zoom on the phone. Whoever said that you just can’t use a mobile phone to get good pictures has never hooked up a telescopic lens to their iPhone. It’s one of the features that come standard with the iPhone 3G, so make sure that you check it out. A quick search for camera lenses on Amazon or anywhere will give you more details and pictures of lens that you might like. Generally speaking, a camera lens that attaches to the camera isn’t as expensive as you might imagine.
2. Headphones
Now, it might seem like headphone is a no brainer, but a lot of people ignore the fact that the iPhone is a great way to store music. Since you can go online with the phone, it makes sense that you will need headphones. You can order tunes right form the Music Store from Apple, and have it on your phone in a matter of seconds.
3. A Rockin’ Dock For Your ‘Phone
Let’s say that you’ve got a hot date that finally got back to your place. Do you actually want to try to fiddle with the home theater system instead of tending to your date? It’s so much easier to just pull out your iPhone deck and put in your iPhone. You’ll get good sound and you can even find them online for $150 or less — a great bargain when you think about the average home theater system setup!
4. A Pocket…Projector?
Yes, that’s right — a pocket projector. You can get one like the Optoma EP-PK-101 PICO, which is great for showing people presentations. These days, people are running businesses just about anywhere that you can think of. Instead of trying to drag around clunky equipment, this is a great accessory that really opens up the options that you have with your phone.

5. The Essential (and Waterproof!) Armband
If you really want to sweat it out and you want to take your iPhone with you, you need to get an armband. It’s just not hip to try to dig in your pocket while you’re trying to get your sweat on, you know? It’s much easier to reach over on the armband and move your hand over the protective casing of the armband to switch songs, or even to answer a phone call if you have a Bluetooth headset.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: hey, you left off [really great accessory]! How could you? Hey, we only have so much space. If we gave you 50 accessories, you wouldn’t want to read that big long list, would you? We didn’t think so. Another point is that you might read that list and think that these accessories are too expensive. However, they’re a great way to expand the functionality of your iPhone — which is something we think is well worth the price.
If there really is a whiz bang accessory that you think we should put here, sound off in the comments — we would love to hear from you!

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