Hasta La Ideas

The slimmest iPhone case and charger combo on the market offers more than just power

Released today, the Third Rail iPhone 4 case from Third Rail Mobility takes a fresh look at the issue of smartphone battery life. The case is designed to be as compact and dynamic as possible, the only additional real estate present in comparison to a traditional case is a small nub of circuitry on the docking end of the phone. This smart circuitry, combined with their smart batteries offer a superior level of control and customization when it comes to mobile charging.

Unlike most case/charger combos the Third Rail system does not incorporate a built-in battery. Instead, the ultra slim case has a dock on the back where the user can swap super light weight batteries—only 1.4 ounces—in and out, or stack a number of batteries for as much charge as is desired, allowing for the case to always remain on the phone. If you have multiple batteries attached, the intelligent charging system can determine which has the most charge and will transfer power from other batteries to the one it determines to be a primary battery, always guaranteeing you have one fully charged brick. Additionally if you have several batteries attached you can plug the whole unit in and simultaneously charge all the batteries and your iPhone.

Since the batteries are swappable you never have to worry about the system becoming obsolete with each new smartphone purchase. The batteries will work with all cases offered by Third Rail, including future ones, to reduce waste and consumer cost. Each battery also contains its own built in micro USB port so it can directly charge any micro USB device independently or while strapped to your iPhone.

Third Rail Mobility, a family owned and operated business, has created a very functional, forward-looking product with this new case. The system can be purchased from their site for $90 which includes an iPhone 4 case and one battery.

Soften up hard music with a hand-knit iPod case

by Ikechukwu Onyewuenyi

Love having all your Townes Van Zandt tracks at your fingertips but can’t stand the iPod’s shiny exterior? Enter Granny Tunes, a hand-knit case that covers the musical device with lacy looks. Seizing on fashion’s enduring neo-boho obsession, the macramé-like design is fetching enough to charm younger patrons and not just grandmas rocking iPods. The snuggly pouch, available in neutral palettes (white, beige, khaki), weaves style, function and culture together, playfully embracing the vogue for knitting grannies while building on traditional modes of Greek lace-making.

Granny Tunes sells online from Greece is for Lovers for €55.

Sono Made in Colorado queste Blackbox Macbook Pro Cases. Le trovate sul loro store.
[Via]

A multifunctional and protective system for iPads

Brenthaven is already an industry leader in highly-functional ways to tote your tech, and the recent introduction of their 5-in-1 iPad Case promises total safety for your pad plus, four other functionalities designed to improve user experience.

Once assembled, the case provides two-sided protection using hardshell materials that feel pretty sturdy. Pop the iPad out of the enclosure and it fits nicely into a slot on the back, standing at attention in “viewing stand” mode. When you’re ready to type, fasten the built-in strap to the indented loops on the back of the iPad portion and flip it all over to enter “typing stand” mode.

The set also comes with a long strap that can hang around a car headrest (or anywhere) for viewing on the go.The most convenient feature, the “EZ-GRIP,” utilizes the elastic strap on the rear of the case as an extra-secure way to hold the iPad while reading or browsing. Using “EZ-GRIP” definitely offers a firmer, comfortable way to hold the slippery little tablet.

Made from recycled materials and with a few updated features from the original version, the 5-in-1 system is well on its way to offering a well rounded, super-functional iPad case solution.

Though it’s currently out of stock, it typically sells for $60 from Brenthaven.

While we really like the slimness and functionality of Apple’s iPad case, an accessory that exemplifies your personality and meets your needs can be hard to find. Below we highlight eight cases that stand out for their ingenuity both in design and style.

Timbuk2 Quickie

The nylon Quickie ($45) from Timbuk2 offers the most in utility. The bag easily fits the iPad and has two exterior pockets for business cards, cords, keys or essentials while on the go. The removable shoulder strap allows it to be carried messenger style or pull out the stow-away handles for a more formal approach.

Temple x Uncrate Leather Case

The black on black leather and canvas case by Temple for Uncrate ($160) goes from bag to stand, displaying the iPad both vertically and horizontally at a 45-degree angle. Meant for travel and adventure, the well-crafted resilient bag brings “art to life.”

Kenton Sorenson x Context

A sophisticated leather portfolio, the forthcoming Kenton x Context case ($TBD) is handmade in Wisconsin using vegetable tanned leather that will age beautifully over time.

Acme Made Skinny Sleeve

Water and stain resistant, the neoprene Skinny Sleeve ($30) from Acme Made envelops the iPad resulting in minimal bulk and maximum protection. Available in black or white.

Case-Mate Traveler

Comprised of durable felt and leather, The Traveler ($50) is an elegant folio-style case that features storage pockets for business cards or pens while securing the iPad with a magnetic flap.

Dodo Case

Handmade from high-quality bamboo, the Moleskine-style Dodo case ($50) is a sturdy case and stand that props the iPad at a 60-degree angle for easy viewing and use. The Dodo weighs less than one pound, offers full access to all of the ports and headset jacks and keeps it secure with its fitted foam corners.

Belkin Envelope

Fully enclosing the iPad, the charming Envelope ($50) from Belkin (above left) keeps it sure with a button and string closure and microfiber inner lining.

Paul Smith Wool Wrapper

A colorful sleeve, the Paul Smith cashmere pinstripe wrapper (£25) protects the iPad with foam padding and elastic corner ties, eliminating bulk and adding to the iPad’s already-classy composition.

Coming soon…

Stay tuned for an unveiling of our exciting collaboration with Speck as part of our CH iPad app promotion.