Digital CraveTop 10 Apple iPhone 5 accessories
You love your new iPhone 5, but what about the accessories?
The industry created to relieve iPhone owners of their disposable income is huge and has kicked into high gear since the new phone’s release. You can find cases, chargers and ear buds everywhere from tech stores to gas stations. But with a proliferation of products comes the danger of buyer’s remorse.
Here are ten safe bets for you or the iPhone disciple in your life.
1. The Lightning Dock
From $34.95
When Apple fans upgraded to the iPhone 5 they downgraded many of their accessories – especially docking stations – that are not compatible with the new phone. The iPhone 5 has a new dock connector that makes it slimmer, but doesn’t play well with docking solutions from previous generations.
The Lightning Dock was designed for this reason. It works with or without a case, comes in aluminum, aluminum black or birch hardwood, and is compatible with iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPod Touch 5th Gen. You can also add an additional Lightning Connector and back support for a few more dollars.
2. iLuv ReF Headphones
$129.99
After spending a pretty penny on that iPhone 5 you might find the new EarPods lacking. They’re probably the best $30 ear buds on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re ideal.
Why not check out a set of cans with a little more soul and superior audio for a reasonable price? Although headphones are a dime a dozen, these fashionable but understated on-ear headphones from iLuv are a good bet. They have a canvas exterior – reminiscent of a new pair of Chuck Taylors – leather-clad ear cups, a hands-free built in mic, and a titanium diaphragm for crystal clear sound. They’re also collapsible for easy portability.
3. ShockDrop cases
$39.95
You don’t want to risk damaging your expensive – and fragile – new toy. Of all the cases on the market, the ShockDrop case offers a ton of protection for a reasonable price. The case has 10mm of shock absorbing silicon protection at the corners, which thins out to 3.5mms to keep bulk down. A semi-rigid film screen protector can take a beating against your car keys without taking a hit in touch sensitivity. Molded-in volume controls and rip proof port covers round out the sturdy package.
And while taste is subjective, the bold looking cases will likely appeal to younger consumers.
There’s no shortage of phone case options out there, far too many to list, but other brands we like include marware.com and systm.com.
$239
Now this is cool. There are plenty of camera apps available for your iPhone 5, but this is a physical case that offers three different lenses – a 180-degree fish-eye view, 2x optical zoom lens, and a 67x wide-angle lens. You can even buy a tri-pod to go with it.
Something like this is probably more for the blogger, interviewer or self-shooter. However, check out the quality results and the cool retro design of the case and you might want one as well.
The Orbit comes in red, black or silver. If you’re balking at the steep price, the company also sells the lenses individually.
5. Amphibix GO waterproof case
$49.95
If you need your iPhone 5 to go underwater with you, there’s an accessory for that. The Amphibix GO waterproof case by h20Audio will keep your iPhone 5 safe and dry in the wettest conditions.
Every H2O Audio is individually tested to ensure it is 100% waterproof. You can use your iPhone 5’s touchscreen right through the case, which is clear so you can also take pictures. The case is slim enough to slip in your pocket but rugged enough to survive your gym bag.
It also has a 3.5mm audio headphone jack, and both long and short rubber jack skirts are included to accommodate angled and straight headphone plugs.
6. Stylus Pen Kuel H14 Series
$16.99
A stylus pen isn’t just for tablets. This one is manufactured with a special silicone and high polymer coating for a smooth touch and no abrasion. The body of the pen is made of a harmless brass plated material for a smooth grip, there’s a handy clip for attaching the stylus to a pocket or case, and they throw in an replacement tip that’s easy to install.
7.
iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount
$24.99
Chances are you’ve been burned by a car mount before. Many of them are poorly made and designed even worse. Some are meant to stick in your air vents (where they typically break) or mount on your dashboard, and then fall off.
This one is the real deal.
It’s incredibly durable, perfectly simple and beautifully designed. The one-touch mounting system locks and releases your phone with the push of a finger. The phone will literally pop into your hand with little effort and can be returned safely back to the holder easily. The mount’s suction cup holds tight but is easily sprung while the holder itself is fully adjustable with 360 degree rotation for quick portrait and landscape views.
8.Mojo Hi5 Powerbank
$79.90
How would you like to double the mobile usage of your iPhone 5? Enter the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank.
Inspired by the iPhone 5’s minimalist design, this is an inconspiquous and thin power bank with an aluminum unibody enclosure that fits effortlessly to the back of the iPhone 5. It features pass through charging, which means you can charge the power bank and the phone at the same time. It’s also pretty smart. The case won’t let you over charge, over current or short circuit your phone.
9. Lightning to 30-pin adapter
$39.99
This is a must for anyone who wants to keep their old iPhone accessories. It simply lets you connect your iPhone 5 to accessories designed for previous generation iPhones.
It supports USB audio, analog audio out, and syncing but does not support iPod Out, which allows car stereos to control the phone. We suggest the 30-pin adapter with a .2m cable.
10. Belkin ProFit Armband
$39.99
OK, sports and fitness fans, here’s a lycra and neoprene armband that is water-resistant and features a custom clasp design so it stays put while you’re exercising.
No stopping to readjust this one. Once it’s adjusted it stays that way so you can easily strap it on and off.
It comes in a variety of styles, including “Blacktop” and “Day Glow.”
