Accessories

The iPhone 5 gives Apple fans the perfect excuse to splurge on a new iPhone case, and as usual there is no shortage in options. iPhoneFAQ has been recommending the invisibleSHEILD from Zagg since 2010, and there is already an iPhone 5 version of the popular screen protector available. The invisibleSHEILD isn't really an "iPhone case," but it's a great way to protect your device from scratches and damage. Just like the previous iPhone screen protectors, the iPhone 5 version comes with a lifetime guarantee, and the same high-tech scratch proof capabilities. You can head over to zagg.com to learn more about, or buy the invisibleSHEILD.

If you're looking for a more traditional iPhone case OtterBox has released an iPhone 5 series. OtterBox is known for their high-quality smartphone cases. The iPhone 5 series offers the standard port protection with complete access to all functions, a polycarbonate skeleton, built-in screen protector, and a face-in belt clip holster for added protection. The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 5 is available from Amazon.com and BestBuy.com

Instagram fans will want to check out Instacube, a digital picture frame from designer D2M (Design to Matter). The Instacube allows Instagram users to easily display their photo feeds via Wi-Fi on a 6.5-inch, 600×600 capacitive touch screen. The 7.5-inch frame is powered by Google Android and an ARM processor. It features 4GB of internal memory and has 256MB of RAM.

Instacube is easy to use. All it requires is a Wi-Fi connection and an Instagram account. There are only three buttons: one for toggling feeds, one for power and one for liking photos. Instacube is fed from the cloud so you can easily tell it to display custom content, or just let it feed photos from your stream.

FreedomPop is now accepting pre-orders for its iPod Freedom Sleeve. The case converts your iPod into a 4G iPhone with 500MB of guaranteed free broadband every month. Each additional gigabyte will cost you $10. The Freedom Sleeve allows you to make calls, use Skype or FaceTime and stream music or videos anywhere. You can even turn your iPod into a hotspot for up to eight devices.

Just like the FreedomPop iPhone case, the iPod sleeve is a a WiMax mobile hotspot that incases your device. The WiMAX network is available in 82 markets with plans to connect to Sprint’s new LTE network in the future. It may not be as fast as other 4G networks, but the free data may be worth the tradeoff to some iPod owners.

Keeping more than one mobile device charged while on the go is a challenge for anyone who owns a tablet, phone, GPS and whatever else. Innergie aims to solve that problem with its PocketCell battery pack. The rechargeable battery bank provides portable power and charging capability for iOS and Android devices, MP3 Players, and over 10, 000 other portable devices.

The lightweight (2.8 ounces) charger has a 3,000 mAh capacity and includes the Magic Cable Trio with integrated smart-tip Apple, Micro, and Mini USB connector. It can supply your iPad with up to 4.5 hours of extra use, and gives the iPhone 25+ hours of additional talk time.