Long-time accessory maker Kensington has debuted new cases, chargers and car accessories for the iPhone 4 and iPad, including a case for each that includes a built-in battery pack intended to dramatically extend the active use time available for either device. Also included is a hands-free holder for the iPhone, along with combo chargers and USB hubs for both devices.
For the iPhone 4, the AssistOne Handsfree Car Device leverages the iPhone's built-in voice activation to allow users to answer, decline or place a call, as well as control iTunes hands-free. The device uses Bluetooth pairing, a flexible arm that can accommodate existing cases, a mono speaker and a noise/echo-cancelling mic. Users can also take advantage of an AUX port and low-profile car charger with Micro USB charging cable. The device retails for $100.
In addition, the Kensington PowerGuard Battery Case ($60) features a card stand and extra battery pack that adds four hours of talk time, five hours of video or 22 hours of music, claims the company. The card stand can hold the iPhone upright in either portrait or landscape mode. It also features a Micro USB charging/sync port, LED battery fuel gauge, volume control buttons and comes in three color options (black, white, blue).
Finally for the iPhone, the Kensington PocketHub 3-port USB and Sync device ($40) functions as a standalone charger for iPhones and iPod Touches (all generations), as well as a USB hub for connecting cameras, flash drives and other USB devices.
For the iPad, Kensington offers the PowerBack Battery Case with Kickstand and Dock ($130), an all-in-one design that adds a battery and a three-position kickstand, along with protective casing and dock abilities. The built-in 4400mAh battery is claimed to provide up to five extra hours for the iPad, while the kickstand works in landscape, portrait and what the company calls "typing" positions. It also features a Micro USB charge and sync port, an LED battery gauge, and built-in speaker deflectors.
The Kensington Wall Pack Duo Charger ($30) and new PowerBolt Duo Car Charger ($30) both offer the ability to charge two iPad, iPhone or iPod devices from a single wall or car outlet. The wall charger works at 2.1 Amps; the auto charger features one 2.1 Amp port and a single 1 Amp port for iPhones and iPods. The wall charger also uses a low-profile plug design to avoid blocking other wall outlets. Both include a detachable USB sync cable, charge iPhone and iPod Touches running iOS 3.0 or later as well, and have an LED power indicator. The accessories are currently available on pre-order via Amazon or Kensington and are expected to start shipping in time for the holiday season.
In addition, the Kensington PowerGuard Battery Case ($60) features a card stand and extra battery pack that adds four hours of talk time, five hours of video or 22 hours of music, claims the company. The card stand can hold the iPhone upright in either portrait or landscape mode. It also features a Micro USB charging/sync port, LED battery fuel gauge, volume control buttons and comes in three color options (black, white, blue).
Finally for the iPhone, the Kensington PocketHub 3-port USB and Sync device ($40) functions as a standalone charger for iPhones and iPod Touches (all generations), as well as a USB hub for connecting cameras, flash drives and other USB devices.
For the iPad, Kensington offers the PowerBack Battery Case with Kickstand and Dock ($130), an all-in-one design that adds a battery and a three-position kickstand, along with protective casing and dock abilities. The built-in 4400mAh battery is claimed to provide up to five extra hours for the iPad, while the kickstand works in landscape, portrait and what the company calls "typing" positions. It also features a Micro USB charge and sync port, an LED battery gauge, and built-in speaker deflectors.
The Kensington Wall Pack Duo Charger ($30) and new PowerBolt Duo Car Charger ($30) both offer the ability to charge two iPad, iPhone or iPod devices from a single wall or car outlet. The wall charger works at 2.1 Amps; the auto charger features one 2.1 Amp port and a single 1 Amp port for iPhones and iPods. The wall charger also uses a low-profile plug design to avoid blocking other wall outlets. Both include a detachable USB sync cable, charge iPhone and iPod Touches running iOS 3.0 or later as well, and have an LED power indicator. The accessories are currently available on pre-order via Amazon or Kensington and are expected to start shipping in time for the holiday season.
