iPhone essentials for the road warrior

iPhone essentials for the road warrior

26 September, 2008 | 3.00AM

• Written by: francispreve
• Filed under: Music News: apple, apps

Electronic music devotees almost invariably find themselves on the road at some point.

Whether you’re a gigging DJ, traveling producer, or acolyte on a visionquest to WMC or ADE, travel is a part of the scene.

And if you’re an iPhone user, that means your life is in your pocket.

So over the past two months, we’ve taken a close look at products that extend and protect the life of your beloved trinket.

Here’s a selection of the top performers in this arena.

Mophie JuicePack

Topping the list of any road warrior – be it a festival junkie or a producer on the go – should be the Mophie JuicePack.

Apple’s insistence on internal, non-replaceable batteries (aside from being a transparent ploy for upgrades) has presented third-party vendors with an opportunity to create accessories that give the Jesus Phone a few more hours of usefulness between charges.

After using the JuicePack on several trips, we can honestly say that it kicks major butt as an iPhone add-on.

First off, it’s by far the most attractive battery back available.

Just slide your iPhone into the JuicePack and you’re ready to go.

The way it works is simple.

Your iPhone sees the JuicePack as an external power source and uses the JuicePack’s battery first, before switching to the phone’s internal battery.

According to Mophie’s specs, the JuicePack extends power in the following ways:

- Standby Time – Up to 250 additional hours
- Audio Playback – Up to 24 additional hours
- Talk Time – Up to 8 additional hours
- Video Playback – Up to 7 additional hours
- Internet Use – Up to 6 additional hours

In our real-world tests, we tend to agree with the overall specs. On a recent gig in San Francisco, the JuicePack allowed me to watch two movies on the plane yet still have a bit of a JuicePack charge left – and a fully charged iPhone upon arrival.

If you travel with any regularity, that could be reason enough to purchase this little gem.

$99.95 US

OtterBox Defender

Some folks need power, whereas others need protection.

If you’re one of those play-hard types who finds yourself rocking your iPhone at beach parties or Burning Man, OtterBox’s Defender should be high on your list of must-haves.

Consisting of a sturdy plastic case, wrapped in a rubber outer sheath, the Defender is quite water-resistant (not waterproof, mind you) and capable of saving an iPhone from some serious falls.

For testing, I lent the Defender to my clumsiest iPhone wielding friend and after a few weeks of abuse, both the Defender and iPhone are safe and sound.

The only caveat is that the Defender’s casing prevents access to the ringer switch, but all other switches are available and removable rubber plugs cover the connection ports.

Fifty bucks may be a little steep for a case, but when you’re sweating it out at an all-night event, it just might save you the cost of a new iPhone.

$49.95 US

V-Moda Vibe Duo

If you’re a production connoisseur, you’ve probably noticed that Apple’s iPhone buds are a tad, um, pedestrian when it comes to reproducing detail – and for that matter, bass.

Well, if you’ve got a spare $101.00 US and a taste for bling, you owe it to yourself to check out the V-Moda Vibe Duos.

These headphones sound fantastic, look great, and include an iPhone compatible microphone for taking calls between tracks.

Of special note is that the latest version of the Duos includes a redesigned plug that’s appears much more robust than the plug in the first revision. Nice!

Best of all, the Duos are compatible with most regular eighth-inch headphone jacks, so if you forget your headphones on your way to a DJ gig, the Duos can make an acceptable substitute for the night.

$101.00 US

Griffin TuneBuds Mobile

For more budget conscious iPhoners, Griffin’s TuneBuds are another well-designed headphone with integrated microphone.

In our tests, the TuneBuds had slightly deeper bass, but were definitely on the shrill side when it came to highs.

Fortunately, the iPhone’s EQ functions make it possible to adjust the response to match your ears’ response curve.

As with any in-ear headphones, we urge all users to strongly consider monitoring at sensible volumes.

An ounce of prevention could save you from having to live the plot of “It’s All Gone Pete Tong” (minus the hummus).

$39.99 US

Griffin Wave

While we’re on the topic of Griffin’s accessories, let’s chat for a second about their Wave cases for both iPhone models.

Even if you’re not a butterfingered clumso, the question isn’t if you’re going to drop your phone, but when.

I’ve been using the Wave cases since I first got my iPhone and while they conceal the glamour of Apple’s insanely beautiful device, they do come in a nifty array of colors that have received compliments from passers-by on several occasions.

More importantly, the Wave case saved my iPhone from a five-foot drop on an elliptical machine at the gym – right onto high-impact plastic with a loud crack.

After cursing myself, I picked up the phone - which remained fully functional - and resumed the attempt at refining my glutes.

Real world example. Real world results.

$24.99 - $34.99 US

Aliph Jawbone II

While this product falls more into the bling and convenience categories, we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention Aliph’s new Jawbone II Bluetooth headset.

Whereas most headsets have a tendency to make their users look either unbearably pretentious or like an extra in Stargate – usually both – the Jawbone II is exquisitely designed and about as unobtrusive as a Bluetooth earpiece can be.

After using ours for a few weeks, the only serious drawback we could find is a bizarrely male-centric foible.

The Jawbone II doesn’t like beards – even closely trimmed ones.

And I ain’t about to shave.

That said, it’s a great piece of kit, especially if you end up in a region that prohibits driving whilst using your cellphone.

$129.95 US

Griffin PowerDuo for iPhone

Rounding things out in this collection of must-haves is Griffin’s PowerDuo for iPhone.

Consisting of an iPhone connection cable, AC adapter (for US wall outlet) and a lighter-style car charger.

Plug the cable into either and charge away.

In our tests, we did discover a bizarre wrinkle in its performance.

While the included iPhone cable is fine for the included power adapters, as well as syncing with your computer, it is strangely incompatible with the Mophie JuicePack, which prefers the Apple USB iPhone cable.

No idea why – and we’re not going to point fingers – but it is definitely something to be aware of, should you opt to purchase one.

$39.99 US

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