We love our iPhones. As great as the device is however there are a few “must-have” accessories that make it even better. The fact that the 3GS kept the same design as the iPhone 3G meant we could continue to use our favorite iPhone accessories. That doesn’t mean a few new favorites haven’t crept in along the way though.
Without comparing notes Larry and I each picked what we consider to be four “must-have” accessories. Was there overlap or are the lists completely different? Read on to find out what made each list and why…
Dan’s Four…
Mophie JuicePack Air
This is my first must-have iPhone accessory and for good reason. While the iPhone 3GS supposedly gets better battery life than its predecessor I’m not seeing it. In fact, as you can see in Michael’s post on battery life, it is one of the huge weaknesses of the device in my opinion. I am a heavy heavy iPhone user and, as a result, run my battery down quite quickly. The means I always have a charger AND an external battery with me. I’ve tried of a number of external battery options and my favorite right now is the Mophie JuicePack Air. I love its sleek design, the way it doubles as a case for the iPhone and the fact that I could, if I wanted, keep the iPhone in it all the time. (I don’t)
Most importantly, with my iPhone 3G S it adds… Up to 270 hours Standby Time, up to 4.5 hours on 3G and 10 hours on 2G of Talk Time, up to 4.5 hours on 3G and 8 hours on Wi-Fi of browsing, 27 hours of audio and 9 hours of video playback while adding just 2.66 oz in weight. Other batteries offer higher capacity but the JuicePack offers plenty of added punch and a good deal of style.
$79.95 and is available directly from Mophie.
Jabra SP700
I’ve written about this device numerous times and for good reason. I bought it on a whim at CostCo one day and have been happy with it ever since. As a speakerphone it works quite well. The bluetooth pairs quickly and easily, the connection is static-free and the voice quality on both my end and the receiver’s end is crystal clear. That alone makes it a good purchase.
Now that the iPhone has stereo-bluetooth it is even better. The SP700′s built in FM transmitter easily overpowers a weak FM station and broadcasts either my conversation or music over the car stereo. Better still, when using the iPhone as a GPS that too gets transmitted over the stereo. And when I need to change channels on the FM transmitter if there is interference that results from being somewhere new, changing stations is a one button process. My next car will have built-in bluetooth. Until then, however, this is a great option.
It is now available for under $50 at Amazon and other on-line retailers.
Agent 18 SlimShield
Thanks to my involvement with Gear Diary I have a host of excellent iPhone cases from which to choose. (Not quite as many as Larry… see below… but a good number none-the-less.) This allows me to choose a case that is appropriate for the day’s activities. For day to day use my current favorite is Agent 18′s SlimShield. It offers a super low profile that fully protects everything but the screen. Cut outs are located in just the right places and it comes off and goes on with ease. It comes with a screen protector and stand. The easily scratched back of the iPhone 3G and 3GS require use of a case.
The SlimShield is as close to naked as you can get if you want to protect the device with something that is easily removable.
The SlimShield is available for $34.95 directly from Agent18.
Etymotic h2f headphones
I have become a bit spoiled when it comes to headphones. Having “tasted” some high quality sets the stock Apple buds just don’t cut it for me any longer. Among the best sounding headphones I have used are the Etymotic hf2s. The in-ear buds offer high quality sound, have a cord heavy enough to avoid the constant tangles that are so common with headsets and sound great when used as a wired headset for calls. In addition they offer passive noise isolation, in-line music controls, voice memo control, and are compatible with all versions of the iPhone. The in-ear style buds take some getting used. Once you do however you will likely swear by them. I know I do.
Amazon currently has them for $136.53.
Larry’s Four…
Griffin Simplifi
The iP99BR is available from Amazon for $104.95
The LiquidAUX is available from Kensington for $79.99.
Any one of my 50 or so cases.
Hi my name is Larry and I’m an iPhone case addict.
(Dan comments… no kidding! So much for “Pick four top accessories.”)
Yes, I have a lot of iPhone cases. Too many to count. At any one time I probably have 30-40 cases for the iPhone. To me iPhone cases are like t-shirts. You can never have enough and after awhile I get tired of them and they get retired.
I also have different cases for different functions. At work I’m using my Otterbox Defender. If I’m heading out to dinner I might choose something sleeker like a Gogo.
(Kinda like a daytime and an evening purse huh?? Cute.)
In some respects I also think I’m in a never ending search to find that perfect case.
(And how many new ones did you pick up in NYC yesterday Larry???)
So there you have it…
There are a host of excellent accessories available for the iPhone 3GS. This is just a small samping of our favorites. If you have a favorite let us know… we’re always up for something new to try!
