bThe first iPhone case to promise—and in some cases, deliver—improved cellular antenna performance, in a reasonable form factor and sold at a reasonable price. Can help stabilize shaky data and cell phone audio conditions when iPhone is in 2-3 bar range. Includes screen and substantial body protection.

Signal boost works only under certain conditions; does not appear to improve iPhone performance under weakest signal conditions. Plain-jane design; could look a little cooler for the price.

In the vast, ever-expanding world of iPhone cases and films, it would be fair to say that 10% are merely decorative, 10% are solely protective, and the other 80% are designed to be some combination of the two. Until today, however, roughly zero cases have been designed to improve the iPhone’s core functionality, a number that increases to perhaps 3% if you count the few cases with integrated video stands. Griffin Technology’s ClearBoost ($35), therefore, is a major stand-out. Described by the company as an “antenna-boosting case,” which “improves reception as it protects your iPhone,” ClearBoost is the first iPhone case with an integrated, stub-like antenna at the top, as well as the first that measurably improves iPhone cell reception—under certain conditions.

Contrast this for a moment with some of the quixotic Chinese iPhone metal shields that have appeared over the past six months, adding little to the device’s appearance and actually detracting from its reception. There was a reason, after all, that Apple enclosed the iPhone’s wireless antennas inside of a plastic housing rather than a metal one; why cover that panel with a metal JavoShield just to add a splash of color to the iPhone’s back?

Like most iPhone cases, ClearBoost is almost entirely made from plastic—here, jet black opaque plastic—and provides coverage for most, but not all of the iPhone’s body. There’s a clear glossy full face screen protector that leaves the ear speaker and Home button open, but covers the rest of iPhone’s glass front, and the case covers everything save the device’s side and top controls, top and bottom ports, rear camera, the speakerphone features and SIM card slot. As with all Griffin cases, it’s designed to fit into Universal Docks without an issue, and permit complete accessory compatibility; again, it works with everything save Apple’s packed-in iPhone Dock. Additionally, Griffin’s antenna is small and neutral enough that it doesn’t make your iPhone look ridiculous or dramatically change its pocketability; like all hard plastic iPhone cases, you’re more likely to notice the additional thickness than the stub’s added 0.6” height.

At a $35 suggested retail price, ClearBoost sells for around a $10 premium over a plain but comparably protective Griffin or other company’s iPhone case, which strikes us as a little bit high relative to its benefit—had this been a cosmetically beautiful case at the same price, or had it provided a big reception boost under all circumstances, it would have rated a high recommendation, but as-is it offers a nice bump at a decent price.  If you’re experiencing serious signal variation issues with your iPhone, you’ll find that it helps at least under some circumstances, and also provides above-average protection and looks.

People at Belkin are clever. They launched cases for iPhone 3G corresponding with the launch of iPhone 3G. That’s what I call clever marketing. Now a person buying the iPhone 3G will genuinely be interested in protecting it from everyday ruggedness. So Belkin has announced a complete line of cases for the upcoming iPhone 3G.

There are lots of choices for iPhone 3G users. They can choose from a lot of variety. Following are the names and description for each product:

1.      Formed Leather Case – it offers slim, formed-leather construction, micro-fiber lining and open access to the iPhone’s controls and screen. Available in black and pink, it sells for $30

2.      Eco-Conscious Formed Leather Case - simple natural-felt leather with interior and a price of $35. It is a simple leather case with white thread trimmings. Not for maximum protection

3.      Leather Sleeve with Clip – it has a form-fitting leather construction with a suede interior. Open access to screen and dock connector and an included belt clip for people who like to clip their phone on their belts. Offered in black and pink, it sells for $30.

4.      Clear Acrylic Case for iPhone 3G – Made of slim polycarbonate, it is not heavy and never bulks on the iPhone 3G. Offering full access to all ports and controls, as well as a removable base cabinet for docking access. Sells for $30.

5.      Slim-Fit Case – Made of nylon, it is a holster-style case featuring microfiber lining, a rigid protective inner layer with shock-absorbent padding, slim profile, a speaker opening and an integrated belt clip. Like most of the other cases, it sells for $30 too.

6.      Silicone Sleeve for iPhone 3G – A multicolored textured case with a custom-pattern exterior. Gives access to all ports and controls. It is available in gray/grapefruit, black/infrared, and pink/grey colors. Sells for $25.

7.      Leather Flip Folio – It features a holster design with a multipurpose pocket, Microfiber inner lining, a rigid internal protective layer, openings for access to the phone’s controls and ports, and a magnetic closure. It will sell for $35.

8.      Micro Grip for iPhone 3G – It features a textured, custom-pattern rubber exterior with a texture. It offers acces to all ports and controls and form-fitting construction. Available in pink and black, it will sell for $25.

9.      Sport Armband Plus with Fast Fit – Made of lightweight, water-wicking materials, Sport Armband Plus with Fast Fit features a removable sleeve for the iPhone, key pouch, a low-profile belt clip and a cable capsule for headphone cord management. it will sell for $30 like most of the other Belkin iPhone 3G cases

These are a lot of cases to choose from. Checkout each of them and decide for yourself. Moreover, Belkin also plans to roll out ClearScreen Overlay protectors for iPhone 3G. It is made of clear plastic that statically clings to the surface of the touch screen. it will be available for $13/3-pack. To correspond with the iPhone 3G launch in July, Belkin is going to launch all the cases in U.S in July. The launches in Australia, Europe and Asia will be later this year.

Finally, after a long wait, Apple has introduced the second-generation iPhone 3G. I anticipated a long list of improvements and enhancements, but iPhone 3G has a few thing missed out.

The new phone features a glossy rear casing made of full-plastic. It is thinner on the sides than the current version. With metal button and a flush headphone jack, iPhone 3G is a beauty to behold. There were lot of rumors on a 2.5 inch touch screen, but iPhone 3G has the original 3.5 inch screen of the original. The main difference from the original version is added support for 3F wireless networking (tri-band HSDPA) as well as an assisted GPS. According to Apple, the iPhone 3G offers 300 hours of standby time, 10 hours of 2F talk time and 5 hours of 3G talk time. It is better than most of the competing products which offer 3 to 3.5 hours of talk time. If also offers 5-6 hours of high-speed web browsing, 7 hours of video playback and 24 hours of audio playback. That’s awesome. They have improved on standby battery.

Starting on July 11, 2008, iPhone 3G will be available in 70 countries later this year. Beginning with 22 countries which includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US, iPhone 3G will be available on July 11, 2008 which, by the way, corresponds to the opening of Apple Sydney Store.

The real surprise was the price. Apple has certainly dropped the price to $199 for the 8GB model (black only) and $299 for the 16 GB model available in black and white.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc. has put a great show yesterday. He said, “Just one year after launching the iPhone, we’re launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price. iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year.”

The downside of Apple iPhone 3G is imminent. There are no camera upgrades. Users were certain that Apple would give a 3 mp camera with a flash. That is something which turned off most of the users in U.K. Since most of the other cell phone companies in U.K are offering at least 3 MP of camera power plus a built-in flash, it is apparent that most of the users won’t go for additional 3G capability which is good by all means.

One of our friends had a chat with Mark Siegel, AT&T Mobility Executive Director-Media relations about the new iPhone 3G. He informed our friend that the current iPhone customers and any other AT&T customer that is currently under a contract will be able to upgrade to the new iPhone 3G simply by agreeing to a new 2-year agreement and pay the $199 or $299 price for the device. He also said that the $199 or $299 prices are the only prices the handset will be offered at.

I am sure iPhone 3G will pick the market and it will go beyond Apple’s expectation but if Steve Jobs has considered adding a good camera in the iPhone 3G, it would have become an irresistible offer and would have competed with all major 3G capable phones.

How many times do you wish you have a good case for your iPhone? All those scratches and bad marks really piss me off. Of all the iPhone cases I have seen and reviewed, Fuze case for iPhone is the best, period

Originally announced in January, iSkin is shipping the best iPhone case, Fuze case for iPhone. It has a dual impact-resistant polycarbonate layer with shock absorbing soft inner liner for double protection. The Fuse is a compact case for iPhone which doesn’t bulge. I felt that it was the part of iPhone’s cover. Fuze allows full screen, sensor, antenna access, port and features an integrated flexible Dock Connector cover with a rubberized outer finish for enhanced grip. It is compatible with iSkin’s revoclip. iSkin’s Fuze is available for iPhone and sell for a mere $40 which is less compared to all those scratches, marks etc. It saves your iPhone from everyday ruggedness.

Fuze is made of a soft shock absorbing inner layer and a durable, hard shell outer-layer. It is specifically designed to guard your precious iPhone against impact, scratches, shock and moisture. It provides unhindered docking port and major control button coverage. So you won’t find pizza bits stuffed in the docking port. I agree with iSkin when they say that it’s a level of protection unmatched by any other manufacturer of iPhone accessories. Fuze is a complete solution for iPhone safety and security. It is stylish, beautiful and it is from iSkin which boosts the best iPhone accessories in the market.

Fuze snaps only to the iPhone and not to itself. It fits so well; that you won’t feel it’s even there.

Not only does Fuze provide extra protection, its screen guard protects iPhone’s Touch screen. Fuze includes a glare and fingerprint resistant screen guard that easily tacks on the iPhone’s delicate screen. And the best thing is that it is adhesive/glue free. So your screen won’t end up smeared with glue or adhesive which most of the screen guards need to attach themselves to the screen. The screen guard doesn’t hinder your view. It is so delicate and thin, you wont even feel its there. The Touch screen will remain safe. This is the best feature of Fuze. I bet you are sick seeing all those fingerprints smeared on the touch screen. I need to clean it everytime I touch the screen which is a nuisance.

iSkin Fuze not only protects your iPhone and the screen, it protects and guards all major control button. It has an integrated docking port cover that keeps the harmful elements away. You sure wont find bit and pieces of everything stuffed in the docking port which might hinder its capability; enhancing the life of your iPhone’s connectivity. I am pretty sure you will appreciate this feature more than anything else. A clean iPhone is a better iPhone.

Fuze work well with the useful iSkin revoClip. it is a clip that holds your iPhone and you can attach it on your belt, or anywhere comfortable. RevoClip doubles as a convenient stand, so you can watch your movies without placing your iPhone on weird places. I must say iSkin is innovative and they come up with thoughtful designs that make our lives easier. Good job iSkin.

There is a rumor circulating on the internet about the coveted 3G iPhone. The whole rumor mill at MacTalk is churning at full speed. Someone in Australia has sent a photo to MacTalk who could not be named for obvious reasons. The image is of a sealed box whose contents are protected under NDA (Non-disclosure Agreement) until Tuesday June 10. Many resellers across Australia have received these weird boxes with “Subject to terms of NDA: Do not open until Tuesday June 10th 2008.” written on the top side. As you can remember that on June 10, Steve Jobs is going to address the WWDC conference. According to MacTalk, one of their sources strongly believes that the package contains the much coveted 3G iPhone. The question is why there is only one handset in the box and why has it been sent early? Our rumor expert told us that it might be a viral advertising gimmick by Apple to produce rumors which has made their products a household name. Another explanation is that the iPhone contained in the sealed box is for promotional purposes only. At the official unveiling at WWDC next week, the iPhone will be on display with a sign saying ‘look how cool I am – you can buy me on this date’. Mactalk adds that the launch date is June 19 coinciding with the launch of the flagship Sydney Apple Store.

In early April, MacTalk ran a feature story detailing Apple’s plans for the iPhone in Australia. They claimed that the iPhone in Australia will be sold without the exclusive carrier model. The story was dismissed as a marketing gimmick to get more readers visiting MacTalk. But it seems as if Apple has confirmed the fact that the iPhone will be sold in Australia without any carrier restrictions. Right now the image is convincingly telling us that the iPhone is landing in Australia pretty soon.

I can’t wait to get my hands on 3G iPhone. Someone should rip that box open without caring about the NDA and see what’s inside. Or as some users at MacTalk suggested that a CT scan should be done to check the contents of the box without opening it. I bet CT scan or an x-ray scan is not mentioned in the NDA. I am sure someone won’t wait that long to open the box and will rip it open. I hope he/she posts the pictures of 3G iPhone. It will surely be the biggest marketing stunt which will bring in hundreds of thousands of people to the site hosting the first ever 3G iPhone images.

Gear4 DUO speaker is a unique combination of a truly portable iPod speaker system with a docking station that doubles as a subwoofer, improving the portable unit’s bass response when they’re connected for tabletop audio and charging. Includes a replaceable rechargeable battery and a second battery bay for added runtime should you need it, as well as a wall adapter, Infrared remote control, and dock adapters. Attractive, simple design allows for uninterrupted transition between portable and desktop listening.

Docking the portable speaker with the subwoofer and charging dock was problematic in our review unit due to an issue currently being resolved by the manufacturer. While exceptionally convenient for users who would otherwise buy both portable and desktop audio solutions, standalone audio performance of portable piece isn’t as strong as leading less expensive portable competitors; similarly, combined performance doesn’t outstrip same- or lower-priced all-in-ones.

Originality has long since disappeared from the iPod speaker category: there are dozens of any given type of pocket, portable, or desktop design, each with relatively small distinctions that might appeal to certain users. So we are conceptually very enthusiastic about Gear4’s DUO (£150/$200), which the company accurately bills as a “Versatile Speaker System for iPod;” it is the first all-in-one unit we’ve seen that transforms from a slim portable speaker into a mid-sized desktop system. And save for a couple of non-trivial issues, DUO would have easily rated a high recommendation, as Gear4’s design makes a lot of sense and will appeal to many different types of iPod fans.

Only 9.1” wide and 5.2” tall, the black and silver DUO system begins with a metal and plastic speaker housing that’s merely 1.3” thick and entirely portable, containing two .75” tweeters, two 2-inch midrange drivers, and a rechargeable 9-hour battery. Volume and power buttons are located on its top, with an alternating red and blue light hidden behind the unified metal grille to provide standby or power on status. A metal kickstand flips out and locks into place on the unit’s back for stability, and a fold-out iPod dock is in front.

With two exceptions, this part of the DUO unit is extremely well designed. It has a power port on the back if you want to recharge it on its own, plus a line-in port for auxiliary audio, and not just one but two battery compartments; unlike most other rechargeable portable speakers we’ve seen, you can replace the included battery, and/or add a second pack if you need to double the system’s run time. Nine gold contacts are found on the back—more on them in a moment—and then there’s a physical power switch. Somewhat oddly located, this on/off switch is designed to let you know for sure that the portable half of the system is turned off when you’re traveling; the system’s top power button is apparently not enough in this regard. You needn’t use it at all when the front and back halves are connected to each other.

Nearly six inches deep, DUO’s subwoofer box is a combination charging station and bass enhancer for the portable speaker. It projects low-frequency sound from vents and a port on its back, contains rubberized feet for stability on a table, and features both line-in and power ports identical to the ones on the portable unit’s back. This piece is large and designed to be kept in one spot, and then rejoined with the portable system whenever you want more full-bodied sound or battery power. Together, the two pieces look handsome, and while they’re over 8 inches deep with the iPod dock extended, the combined unit seems compact and clean by all-in-one iPod speaker standards.

Apple has launched movie sales and rentals on the iTunes Store in both U.K and Canada as expected. Apple was hot on movie services on the iTunes. Over 700 movies from film studios including Lionsgate, Sony pictures, MGM, Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios are available in the U.K with titles available for purchase on the same day as their DVD release. Along with iTunes, over 100 films are available in high definition on an Apple TV too. Normally, the films cost £6.99 for library title purchases and £10.99 for new releases. The iTunes Movie Rental are £2.49 for library title rentals and £3.49 for new releases, with high definition versions priced at one pound more. There is, however, certain limitation. iTunes Movie Rentals in the U.K offers users 48 hours to finish watching the movie after they start it. These are rental terms.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes said, “We’re kicking off movies on the iTunes Store in the UK with over 700 films for purchase and rent. We think customers in the UK are going to love being able to enjoy their favorite movies on their iPod, iPhone or on a widescreen TV with Apple TV.”

iTunes have got over 1200 films from big studios for rent or purchase and like the U.K, the titles become available for purchase or rent the same day as their DVD release. Since iTunes rentals and purchase are cheaper, the movies sell at CANS$9, 99 for catalog title purchase, CAN$14.99 for recent releases and CAN$19.99 for new releases. iTunes Movie Rentals are CAN$3.99 for library titles and CAN$4.99 for new releases. 200 titles are available in HD through Apple TV in Canada and cost a dollar more.  The Canadian iTunes rentals share the same 48-hour viewing time as in U.K.

According to Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes, “have made iTunes the most popular place to find and buy music and TV shows online.” He further added, “We’re thrilled to give iTunes customers access to over 1,200 movies from major studios to rent or purchase, whether to enjoy at home on their widescreen TV with Apple TV or on-the-go on their iPod.”

This is good news especially for iPhone and iPod users. They can watch their favorite movies on their iPod and iPhone. Since you have the liberty to watch your favorite movie anywhere, it is only the matter of time when iTunes will be the major player in movie rentals and purchase. And if Apple continues to offer the movie rentals in other parts of the world, the DVD business is going to be down for sure. Many people in U.K and Canada would love to rent a movie online and watch it on their favorite gadget.

It is an established fact that Apple has plans to release a 3G iPhone this year. Steve Jobs has already confirmed it, Randall Stephenson, AT&T CEO has also mentioned it. So we are sure that 3G iPhone is going to hit markets this year. However, no one has told us when will it be available, what will be the price and what are the specs (Oh Lord, we are uncertain about the specs. Many rumor mills are churning out some big dreamy specs). There are many bloggers out there who did their research and came up with some guesses.

Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, has confirmed that there is a 3G iPhone in the works, although fell short of saying when we could expect to buy one.

Making the comments at the “Mum is no longer the word” press conference at the Regent Street Apple store in London, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple said: “You can expect a 3G iPhone later next year”.

The news comes as a 2G EDGE-enabled iPhone will be available in the UK on 9 November.

When asked why the current model didn’t have 3G, Jobs blamed power issues saying that the 3G chipset would be too much of a drain on the unit’s battery life which promises 8 hours of call time, but said that future models would have the technology.

“We are working on the next iPhone already, the one after that and the one after that”, Jobs said.

Apple did, however, just release a new version of the EDGE iPhone (the 16GB variety) and needs to wait a few months before releasing a new version in order not to upset its customers.

Oh, and don’t forget college graduation gift time. What better way to send that grad off into the world but with a shiny new 3G iPhone - you might even be able to spend that government-issued $600 tax refund on it.

So with this information, I would peg the 3G iPhone release at around a May-June time frame.

The price is still a mystery but we know Apple wasn’t selling iPhones at the rate they wanted at the $599 price point. Currently, they sell the top of the line 16Gb EDGE iPhone at $499. Therefore, I think they will need to drop the prices of the current models to make room for the 3G version(s).

Perhaps they could sell an 8GB 3G version of the device for $499 - but people willing to shell out for a 3G model will likely want top of the line features - so 16 or 32Gb options are more likely. I think Apple drops the prices on the EDGE models by $100-200 and sells them simultaneously for a generation with the 3G equivalents.

Why would anyone buy an EDGE iPhone when a 3G model exists? Perhaps Apple’s carrier partners will also have a tiered pricing system in place. One price for EDGE, one price for 3G. Obviously, people with 3G iPhones will be taxing the networks much more, so it would make sense. Expect to pay a premium for 3G iPhone service - or maybe they’ll keep the current pricing scheme for 3G and lower the price on EDGE access? Intrinsically, there has to be a difference between 3G and EDGE wireless access prices.

These days Griffin Technology is churning out a lot of iPhone and iPod accessories. This time they have done it again. Griffin has recently launched its WindowSeat automobile mount for the iPhone and iPod Touch. This neat accessory will enable you to use your iPhone or iPod Touch with your car stereos. You’ll be able to use it without even touching your iPhone or iPod. And since iPod Touch also shows videos, you can watch videos in your car without having to buy those expensive LCD displays in your car.

The WindowSeat automobile mount for the iPhone and iPod can be mounted on a car’s windshield with the help of a powerful suction cup or it can be fixed on a dashboard using a self-adhesive pad. The mount features the same old secure and adjustable mounting bracket with a swiveling socket ball joint to hold the device at any desired angle. The WindowSeat automobile mount has an offset adapter for mounting the iPhone/iPod Touch on severely angled surfaces. It also has an auxiliary cable for connecting the iPod Touch/iPhone to car stereos equipped with an auxiliary port. It has a secure holder for holding iPhone/iPod Touch.  The convenient corner-release can let you easily detach your device when getting out of the car. So you don’t need to wrestle with the mount to release your iPod Touch or iPhone.

It is more of a style statement and a convenience to place your iPhone or iPod Touch in front of you so you can easily view your iPhone at eye level specially if you have mounted it on your car’s windshield. You can view street maps, directions safely because the mount is place at your eye level which is an important aspect of driving. You can mount the WindowSeat automobile mount on your car’s windshield through the powerful silicon suction pads.

The whole idea is to provide a unique place for the iPhone and iPod Touch in your car. Along with Griffin Technology’s PowerJolt charger for iPhone, you can recharge your iPhone in your car without worrying about recharges.

The material used in the mount is durable. it complements your vehicle’s interior and withstand the temperature shifts that go with that environment.

It is a very good accessory for those people who use their iPhone and iPod Touch frequently. Get one for your car so you don’t have to rummage around your car’s gloves compartment to get you iPhone or iPod while driving.

Griffin has launched its PowerDock 2 Charging Station for the iPod and iPhone. The Powerdock2 has two charging stations which can charge a combination of two iPhone or two iPod. The ever-increasing demand for charging the gadgets has led Griffin to provide a unique solution which can safely be regarded as the best iPod/iPhone accessory. The PowerDock2 has a great finish – a brushed aluminum design and dual charging bays which can charge any combination of two iPhone or iPod. The whole idea of multiple charging bays is to provide one charging station for most of your charging needs. The new upcoming PowerDock4 will feature 4 charging bays which will be an ideal charging solution for a family.  Both of the models have six Universal Dock Adapters for iPhone and iPod models that charge via USB. So don’t worry if you have more than four iPhone or iPod.

PowerDock has received a lot of appreciation at MacWorld Expo this year. According to Paul Griffin, founder of Griffin Technology “PowerDock received overwhelming kudos at Macworld Expo this year and has been a much anticipated product since its introduction. PowerDock is the perfect solution for iPod and iPhone enthusiasts, as well as families with multiple devices.”

The PowerDock2 is available for $50 through Apple and will soon be available on Griffin’s website. The PowerDock4, scheduled for the launch in July will be available for $70. The PowerDock4 boosts four charging bays.

So put an end to family power struggles with PowerDock. We all know that we need a powerful central charging station to charge our beloved gadgets. So now you don’t have to worry about charging your iPod/iPhone even if you sister took your charger to the school trip. The whole thing behind this idea is to provide a robust charging system for iPhone and iPod. Since almost every person in U.K and U.S owns an iPod or iPhone, it is only natural for accessories manufacturers to provide ultimate solution for gadget problems.

The PowerDock has a grippy rubber base which helps the charging bay to stay in place on countertops and desktops. With the collection of Universal Dock insert adapters, you won’t need two PowerDocks for your family. Even a single will suffice for 8 iPhone and iPod.

And with the upcoming iPhone 3G, your charging needs will grow. Since a powerful gadget like 2nd Gen iPhone will need a lot of recharges. We personally suggest that you should go for Griffin PowerDock2 as it ends your worries and lets you charge your iPhone and iPod with a single charger base.