If you’re looking for an alternative way of charging that iPhone or iPod touch of yours, you might want to check out the environmentally-friendly (a.k.a. “green”) Novothink Surge solarcharger series of cases.

The Surge is labeled as a “hybrid solar charger” since it’s capable of charging the iPhone or iPod touch while you’re on the go and in the sun or while its connected to your computer via a USB connection. Even better – the Surge comes with a built-in rechargeable battery providing additional juice to your iPhone or iPod when you’re not in the Sun or near a PC/outlet.

And while you might think a solar power-based charger might be bulky, the Surge is in fact reasonably dimensioned. The iPod touch version measures 2.65 x 0.75 x 4.875 inches while the iPhone version measures 2.65 x 0.875 x 4.875 inches. Yes – your device will be a tad bit thicker but you get the convenience of charging under the sun!

Speaking of convenience, Novothink also has a free application (The Solar Planner App) which tries to estimate your solar needs based on your device usage patterns. Pretty nifty.

Other features and specs include:

• Full access to the touch-screen display
• Cutout for attaching a wrist strip or trinket etc
• Soft-touch non-slip finish
• LED status light indicators
• Integrated rechargeable 1500mAh 3.7 V lithium-ion polymer battery offers 120% capacity of iPod touch (1320 mAh 3.7 V battery for the iPhone version providing 105% capacity of the iPhone)
• Built-in 30 pin dock connector

The Surge for the iPhone is available in either black or white, with additional colors coming soon. The Surge for the iPod touch is currently only available in black.

Price wise, the Surge for the iPod touch is currently on sale for $52.95 (normally $69.96). The Surge for the iPhone is currently available for $79.95.

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPhone:

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPod touch:

[Check out the Surge for the iPod touch]

[Check out the Surge for the iPhone]

via ChipChick

Technorati Tags: Novothink Surge, iPod touch case, iPhone case, Solar-charging case

The new Belkin TuneCast Auto LIVE FM transmitter is now available for purchase here in North America for a price of $79.99. What makes the TuneCast Auto LIVE different from other FM transmitters out there is the ClearScan LIVE iPhone application which is available as a free download via the iTunes Store.

The ClearScan LIVE iPhone application uses the iPhone’s GPS system and location-based user feedback to determine the best FM station to transmit over. Simply press a single button and the application will scan for the clearest frequency and best audio quality. The application also allows you to control the FM transmission and music directly on the iPhone.

Other features include:

• Compatibility with iPod touch, nano, and classic
• High contrast LCD display for easy viewing
• Two programmable preset buttons
• Charges through car’s 12 volt lighter outlet

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin TuneCast Auto LIVE, FM Transmitter

Our attention now shifts to iLuv where we checked out the newly announced App Station Rotational Alarm Clock Dock for the iPhone/iPod. We briefly talked about the App Station right before the start of CES here.

It’s best described as an iPod/iPhone speaker dock with added functionality courtesy of a free downloadable app courtesy of iLuv. The initial app turns the iPhone into a large display digital alarm clock with weather information as well as a visual responsive equalizer.

You can place the iPod/iPhone vertically or horizontally depending on your needs (horizontally if you want to watch a video while the player is docked).

The App Station can be left on the desktop or brought with you courtesy of the use of 6 AA batteries (it can also be AC operated). Other features include:

• Plays and charges the iPod/iPhone
• On/Off button
• Dynamic acoustic speaker chamber
• Aux line input supports any audio device with a 3.5 mm jack
• Dedicated snooze button

Technorati Tags: iLuv, iLuv App Station Rotational Alarm Clock Dock for iPhone and iPod, CES 2010

First-time CES participant Geneva Lab announces their latest iPod speaker dock offering – the new GenevaSound System Model S. The system which makes it debut at CES 2010 includes their new PowerDock connector, new TouchLight controls, and a built-in digital radio tuner along with an alarm clock. The entire package has a price of $299 and is expected to hit electronic stores nationwide and Apple retail stores this month.

PowerDock is essentially a motorized dock connector which spins closed and disappears into the cabinet, thereby protecting the dock when the iPod or iPhone isn’t connected to the unit. To reconnect the media player, simply touch the GenevaSound S and the PowerDock spins open.

The TouchLight control system is a backlit, touch-sensitive control system that are invisible until a hand reaches for the cabinet. The system offers extensive control over the iPod and even mimics the iPod’s wheel.

The GenevaSound S is available in red, white, and black piano lacquer and is even available with a table stand which elevates the system.

The full specs to the GenevaSound S include:

• Two 3 inch full-range speakers
• Two bass ports with dynamic loudness
• Two Class D digital amps
• Digital Radio
• Digital Clock with alarm
• EnbracingSound DSP restores and improves compressed music files
• PowerDock
• TouchLight controls
• Line-in jack for external audio sources

The goal for Geneva Lab? To deliver premium sound that you’d expect from Bang & Olufsen products at price points far lower than B&F products.

Geneva Labs also has several other GenevaSound products – all named after their corresponding sizes. The other models go by the model M, L, XL, and of course, XXL. Pretty easy to remember I think.

Technorati Tags: Geneva Lab, GenevaSound S

iLuv announces the new iLuv App Station, an App-driven Rotational Alarm Clock Dock for the Apple iPhone and iPod. Buy the dock, download the iLuv application (which is free from the Apple App Store and available following the release of the App Station), and turn the App Station portable desktop speaker into a large digital display alarm clock complete with customizable settings and looks to match your personal tastes. The unit comes with vertical or horizontal standing options and lets you watch movies or listen to music too. Expect the new iLuv App Station to be available starting in February for a price of $129.99.

Technorati Tags: iLuv App Station Alarm Clock Dock

Belkin’s new Bluetooth Music Receiver allows you to wirelessly transmit music from your Apple iPhone or iPod touch (or any A2DP stereo Bluetooth enabled audio device) to your home stereo system. Simply connect the Bluetooth Music Receiver to your home stereo system and then pair the receiver with your iPod touch or iPhone device. Once paired, you’ll be able to listen to, share, and control your music from distances up to 33 feet away from the receiver using your iPhone/iPod touch. The Belkin Music Receiver supports Bluetooth 2.0, can remember up to six paired devices, and comes with 3.5mm to RCA and 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables.

Expect the Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver to be available in March for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver, Bluetooth 2.0, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod touch

Apple’s Black Friday sales are up on their website here. Here’s a quick summary of some of their deals:

• Apple iMac 21.5 inch 3.06GHz, 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD for $1098
• Apple iMac 21.5 inch 3.06GHz, 4GB RAM and 1TB HDD for $1398
• Apple iMac 27 inch 3.06GHz 4GB RAM, and 1TB HDD for $1598
• 13 inch MacBook Pro with 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo for $1098
• 13 inch MacBook Pro with 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo for $1398
• 15 inch MacBook Pro with 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo for $1598
• 17 inch MacBook Pro with 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo for $2398
• 8GB iPod nano for $138
• 16GB iPod nano for $168
• 8GB iPod touch for $178
• 32GB iPod touch for $268
• 64GB iPod touch for $358
• Apple TV 160GB for $208
• 1TB Time Capsule for $278
• Airport Express Base Station with 802.11n and AirTunes for $88
• Apple Magic Mouse for $64

Check out many more deals here

Technorati Tags: Apple, Black Friday Deals

Elgato EyeTV users will be happy to hear that the company has released an EyeTV app for the Apple iPhone/iPod touch allowing users to watch live TV or recorded TV directly on their devices as well as browse the detailed program guide. Other features include:

• The ability to connect to any Mac running the latest EyeTV version (3.2)
• Automatically finds Macs on a network via Bonjour
• Remote access Macs running EyeTV using a free locator utility called “My EyeTV” also being introduced as part of EyeTV 3.2
• Support for Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Relies on Apple’s specs for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. Also uses iPhone’s hardware acceleration for playback
• Once connected to a Mac, plays live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start/schedule recordings
• Requires Wi-Fi connection (sorry no 3G support here)

EyeTV is available for a price of $4.99 at the iTunes Store. EyeTV 3.2 is a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Now if someone would only release a Windows Media Center compatible app for the iPhone…

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Elgato EyeTV, iPhone Application

Help fund breast cancer research by picking up one of Belkin’s two new iPod touch cases – the DualFit for the Cure and the Grip for the Cure. For each case sold, Belkin will donate $2.50 to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure (with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000).

DualFit for the Cure:

• Adjustable dual-fit system allows for best fit on any arm; maximizes sizing
• Clear screen protector allows for easy navigation
• Key pocket for convenient storage while at the gym or outdoors
• Reflective material for use during nighttime
• Hand-washable
• MSRP of $29.99

Grip for the Cure:

• Textured exterior provides better grip
• Form-fitting construction allows charging while in sleeve and minimizes bulk
• MSRP of $29.99

Both cases will be available in the middle of October and are compatible with iPod touch 2nd generation models.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin, Belkin DualFit for the Cure, Belkin Grip for the Cure, iPod touch cases

Have new iPod models, have new cases of course! That’s certainly the case with XtremeMac as they’ve announced a new line of cases (as well as color palettes) for the new iPod nano and iPod touches announced last week. Here’s a quick rundown of the new case announcements.

Tuffwrap:

• Form-fitting high-grade silicone cases for iPod touch and iPod nano
• Offers full access to all switches and jacks including the new video camera of the iPod nano
• Version for iPod touch comes with a screen shield

Tuffwrap for iPod touch is available in two assortments:

• Tuffwrap with colors including bright blue, pink and classic black
• Tuffwrap Tatu which features laser-etched designs and a viewing stand. Available in bright blue, pink and classic black two tone designs.)

Tuffwrap for iPod nano is available in three assortments:

• Tuffwrap – single translucent case
• Tuffwrap Plus – combination of silicone and hard plastic and includes 2 silicone cases and one hard plastic screen shield overlay. Also comes with carabineer
• Tuffwrap Tatu – available in black and white with a translucent etched pattern and includes a viewing stand

Prices range from $14.99 to $29.99

Microshield:

• Ultra-thin hard plastic case for the iPod nano
• Includes two backs, one with an integrated belt clip and one without a belt clip

Microshield Tatu features clear durable snap-on protection with integrated patterns including Flourish, Hex and Squares. It also comes with a viewing stand to watch movies

Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99

Sportwrap:

• Sport armband design
• Constructed with soft durable Lycra and neoprene
• Supports iPod touch or iPod nano
• Unique mask on the Sportwrap makes it easy to insert and remove the device
• Removable cord wrap and universal size
• Supports iPod touch and iPod nano

Price is $29.99

Tuffshield:

• Protects iPod touch screen against scratches, dust, and dirt
• Available in clear-gloss and anti-glare version
• Static cling adhesion for easy application and removal
• Each Tuffshield comes with three screen protectors and a cleaning cloth for the iPod touch
• Price is $14.99

Technorati Tags: XtremeMac, Tuffwrap, Microshield, Sportswrap, Tuffshield