As anyone who owns an iPhone can tell you, a slight problem becomes apparent when you want to replace the stock stereo headset; namely that the iPhone’s headphone jack is deeply recessed, and the average 3.5mm plug simply can’t fit inside without trimming the rubber shielding the plug. When you are considering dropping some serious coin on a headset, the idea of butchering it simply doesn’t appeal; that’s when a model made specifically for the iphone is the only “right” choice.

the culprit: the iPhone’s deeply recessed headphone jack

Today we’re going to take a look at two moderately priced headsets from Maximo Products, the iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset for iPhone and iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset for iPhone. The iP-HS1 is for those who prefer the traditional earbud style, and the iP-HS2 is for those who prefer a noise isolating in-ear headset.

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OtterBox, one of our favorite case makers, is donating 10% of proceeds from the sales of two special edition pink cases. Don’t let the pretty pink outer design fool you. Both cases are designed to provide maximum protection for your gadgets. The iPhone Defender Series Strength case (check out Kerry’s review here) and iPod Nano 3rd Gen Defender Series Strength case provide 3 layers of protection. The first layer is a clear Polycarbonate shell, the second layer is a reinforced hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton while the third outer layer is silicon to absorb bumps and shocks. Cost on these cases is $49 for the iPhone Defender Series Strength and $ 29 for the iPod Nano 3G Defender Series Strength.

Link: OtterBox - Avon Breast Canceer Crusade - Special Edition Cases

I have been watching WildCharge with much interest since I first learned about their concept several years back. The idea is simple - you lay your electronic gear on a inductive pad and the items charge without the need for any cables. I love the idea, but waiting for the product to become available for devices I actually use has been a long time coming.

Vincent visited with WildCharge in their office yesterday, and he had an intensive bit of one-on-one time with top execs as well as the product. They set him up with a slim case for his iPhone, a charging pad, and allowed him the chance to really explore the concept.

Technically speaking, the WildCharge adapter for the iPhone and iPod touch is actually integrated into a high-quality gel case called “Skins”, a gel covered product made of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) material. WildCharge wire-free charging technology is located on the back of the case and all you have to do is slip your iPhone or iPod touch into the case and then drop it anywhere on the WildCharger charging pad. It’s that easy. A blue light on the left hand side of the pad lights up notifying you that the juice is pumping through your device.

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I’m pretty sure that I’ve mentioned this before, but if not then I doubt it will come as a surprise to any of you: I don’t like wearing a headset when using my mobile phone. I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t yet found one that is so comfortable I can basically forget that I’m wearing it, or if it’s because I secretly think that most headsets look ridiculous. For whatever reason, I have resisted the siren song of the ear roach. But that’s not to say that I don’t appreciate the convenience and safety of handsfree phone use.

I’ve reviewed several Bluetooth speaker devices that were specifically made to use in vehicles, but I can’t recall ever doing one that could also be used in the office. For that, I’ve generally relied upon my mobile’s speakerphone setting, if it had one. The problem is that phones can have vastly different audio capabilities; some you can carry a normal conversation over without TALKING LIKE THIS, and the other person won’t even be wise to the fact that you have them on speaker. On other phones, using the the audible setting will result in an immediate and indignant, “take me off the speakerphone!”

Oh, don’t act like you haven’t had someone say that to you!

The Spracht Aura Mobile BT is a device that says it is the “ultimate option for hands free communication.” Its “dual speaker system” is supposed to provide “crisp, clear audio, loud enough to use in a convertible, trade show, or just about anywhere.” Does it work as promised? Let’s find out…

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Those of you who have been following me for years know that I am a sucker for shiny things. After all, I once had my own little PDA stylus company which created custom styli made of sterling silver or gold, with options such as inlaid precious stones. Yeah, I can be a little bit over the top like that.

The product I am writing about today is in the same vein, and it is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the light of wallet. I’m going to put that statement right out there, right up front. The Vaja ivolution Silver for iPhone is an item of near decadent luxury that will make some swear and some swoon. You see, it’s not just the “typical” ivolution case made of the finest Argentinean leather, it’s also jewelry for your device because all of the metal trim on it is made of pure sterling silver.

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Putting a case on mobile phones with sliding designs is always tricky, but I happen to think that Proporta’s version, which has just been released for the N95 looks pretty functional. Take a look…

According to the Proporta site, “The Proporta Alu-Crystal Case (Nokia n95), has been designed to add little bulk to the device whilst complimenting rather than hiding the stunning looks of your Nokia n95. Made from a material that combines the durable and scratch resistant polycarbonate plastic with an aircraft grade aluminium, you’ll struggle to find a more lightweight yet protective case.”

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This has to be one of the best looking Bluetooth headsets I’ve seen in a while: Plantronics is announcing their new Discover 925 headset today at CTIA, and it looks pretty slick.

Here are the details…

Look Good, Sound Better
The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece is your essential conversation piece, blending an elegantly simple design with crisp sound quality and lightweight comfort.

Getting connected is easy with QuickPair set up for Bluetooth phones. Staying connected is effortless with the included, innovative carrying case that recharges the earpiece on the go. Your choice of self-stabilizing eartips creates a couture fit without the need for an earloop.

Hear and be heard in style with AudioIQ noise control technology that automatically enhances your caller’s voice over background noise and the exclusive Plantronics VFrame design that incorporates a microphone boom to increase your voice clarity.
•    VFrame design captures your eye as well as your voice
•    Rechargeable case keeps you in charge
•    AudioIQ noise control technology for clear calls
•    Also available in metallic and jewel tone colors
•    Enjoy    up    to    5    hours    talk    time    or    7    days    standby  from  a single charge

Specifications and lots more pictures coming up…

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Hot on the heels of Judie’s story about Best Buy and the overpriced Jawbone headset, I just spotted an Amazon deal on the same (or similar model) that Best Buy sells for $ 116.99 - Amazon has it for $ 68.88 (with free shipping if you’re in the Amazon Prime club). Warning: Amazon practices what I refer to as “demand pricing” — the more people that order a “deal” the more likely they’ll raise the price. If you’re interested, don’t dawdle - follow this link and order now.

I’m a talker… Always have been, and will likely be yackin’ my head off the day I die.  I… have the gift of gab. We all know its true, so who are we kidding.

With the influx of new devices I’ve got, E-TEN X800, E-TEN X650, and BB Curve 8310, I’ve been doing a lot of talking lately. I’ve been using the Palm Bluetooth Headset since Palm gave me one with the Treo Trip kit they gave all of the original 700w reviewers a couple-three years ago. its been a dependable, and half-way decent headset.  However, it leaves a bit to be desired: the volume isn’t loud enough, and wind noise is a problem.  As such, I’ve been searching for a new headset.  When I was presented with the opportunity to look at the Yada YD-V1 Universal Phone Holder and Headset, I jumped at the chance.  Let’s take just a quick look and see how it did.

All pictures were taken with the E-TEN X800’s built in rear facing camera.

The Yada, charging in my car. BTW, what’s with the blue LED in the middle of the holder..?  There’s nothing on it in the manual and no power going to it…

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Mike Cane sent me the link to a Register entry today, about the My Touch Keys iPhone overlay. His exact words (which I have edited, because…yeah) were:

Ho ****! Back to the future! This **** was available for the TIMEX SINCLAIR at the time!!!!

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/03/26/my_touch_keys_iphone/

I can’t ****ing believe it’s back!! I wish I had thought of it. $20 a pop on ebay for a ****ing one-cent piece of plastic. ****!!!!

Even though Mike has a potty mouth (which may have been brought on by the 106F degree fever he is currently battling), he does have a point: sometimes old ideas have a way of reinventing themselves*. So let’s take a look at what got him so excited.

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