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Witchcraft!! That’s really the only explanation for a pot on the stove that can charge your phone… unless you believe in thermoelectricity, and then it explains almost everything. Here’s a short version: fire + water = power. Here’s the longer version: the PowerPot harnesses excess heat while cooking with its encapsulated thermoelectric modules, sends electricity through the flame-resistant composite charging cable and connectors, and then you can plug in your phone to charge it. Maybe you use it at home, maybe you use it on a camping trip. Either way it’s a smart option for charging your devices.
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This NomadClip carabiner is not for climbing and it’s non-weight bearing. So, what in the world is it good for? Good question. It’s a portable charging cable. If you don’t mind carrying a carabiner around, you can clip it to your keys or bag and always have a cable to sync your smartphone. Now, not everyone wants to carry a carabiner, but, which is better, a long cord that can get lost or damaged easily, or a carabiner-that’s-not-really-a-wieght-bearing-carabiner that holds a charging cord in its frame? A steel frame and polycarbonate outer shell will withstand all manner of bumps and drops.
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Here’s a case with a leather cover that integrates a small stand for your laptop. So what? Well, pivoting your screen at an angle helps your wrists be more comfortable and just might improve your posture (sit up straight!). Oh, and, of course, it looks pretty sleek with its “100% imported natural South African Merino wool felt and premium Norwegian vegetable-tanned leather” as well, and has an easy snap-shut closure to keep your device secure.

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Geometric wood veneer and premium German wool lining sounds like the right ingredients for a cool iPad sleeve, don’t they? Add in a leather and brass pull strap (no grabbing/tugging required) and you’ve got our attention. Choose between Eastern hardrock maple or Oregon black walnut. Will they have the right size for your precious device? If you have an iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad Mini with Retina Display, and/or 13″ MacBook Air, the answer is yes.

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If your iPad needs a nicer case, take a look at Grovemade’s Walnut Case. It’s made from Oregon Walnut and domestic maple and features 3 flexible standing positions. A soft ultra-suede material lines the case to keep your screen protected. For iPad Air and iPad Mini 1 & 2.
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Don’t assume this is just a flashlight, because it has two bonus functions. It’s a hand warmer as well, and you can carry it around with you to keep your fingers comfortably warm for up to three hours. That might not sound like a big deal when you’re nice and warm in your home or office, but tell me if you feel differently when your little fingers are like icicles on your next commute. The Smart Warmer is rechargeable, and (the other bonus function) it can also charge your iPhone.
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If your iPad is glued to your hands no matter where you go, chances are you need a good case to protect it, and maybe even a battery boost now and then. This is Ground (the makers of the Cord Taco and the Cordito) has launched a new iPad charging case made from 100% napa leather that incorporates an enclosed battery, a spot for your stylus or pen, and a pocket for cards.
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You might have seen this on the last Friday Links, but, if not, here’s a better picture of what it is and does. The FiLIP is a smart locator and phone, primarily for children aged between 5 and 11, that can be worn on the wrist. Phone calls can be made to and from up to five trusted people and you’ll be able to see the location of your child indoors and out. There’s also an Intelligent Emergency feature so that kids may get in touch when a situation gets serious. An app on your smartphone controls everything- contacts, location data, etc. It’s a great alternative to getting a young child their own cell phone, don’t you think? Learn more over at FiLIP.
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As someone who has dropped an iPhone while walking in San Francisco experienced a shattered phone screen, this screen protector looks like it could be worth the price. After all, the guy in the video is using a hammer to show off the impact protection. You can’t really argue with a hammer, can you? And, speaking from experience, $25 isn’t a bad price for insurance against a screen or phone replacement, as those usually involve waiting, sometimes in a line in a busy store, for waaaay too much time. Rhino Shield screen protector is available for various phones as well as tablets.
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If you’re the type that enjoys tracking your movement and activities, you’ll want to know about the Misfit Shine. There’s a lot of fitness trackers to choose from nowadays, and the Shine stands apart for its size (slightly larger than a quarter), ease of use, no charging needed (it has a battery), and overall pleasing visage. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters- perfect for those swimmers among us.

The magnetic clip-on ring allows you to easily wear it in multiple places- on your shirt, pocket, sock, etc.- or you can wear it on a wrist band or necklace. I wore one for a few days to try it out and, thankfully, it doesn’t look like an obvious fitness tracker. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or clip on to your clothing without being too bulky. It won’t show you your exact steps in numbers, which I rather miss as I’m used to a Fitbit, but you do see your progress via a halo of LED lights. It’s an elegant, minimal solution for a tracker, and, of course, the corresponding Shine app on your smartphone will store your overall progress per day/week. See the video below, or visit Misfit Wearables for more info.
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Have you ever wished that instead of having to carry multiple credit cards, you only had to carry one? Enter Coin.

Coin works with your debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards and membership cards. Instead of carrying several cards you carry one Coin. Multiple accounts and information all in one place.

Coin also has a handy reminder notification from your phone so you get a push notification when you get too far from your card.

Pre order now for a 50% discount and pay only $50.00.

Finally, the Radio Dock by Jonas Damon is available. Nostalgic styling provides a spot for your iPhone to rest while charging on your desk, countertop or nightstand. And, see that radio graphic on the phone? That’s the Public Radio App, which finds up to seven public radio stations within a 50-mile radius. Unfortunately (as of today) it keeps crashing, which is disappointing, but fingers crossed it’ll be up and running with no snags soon.
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If you prefer to use a physical keyboard, like the Apple wireless one, instead of the on-screen keyboard for the iPad, this lightweight Convertible Case will make transporting both quite a bit easier. A magnetic closure keeps both the iPad and keyboard protected when closed, and when opened, the case can fold into a stand.

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When I don’t want to carry a wallet or bag, I use a rubber band to hold a couple of credit cards to my phone. And, yes, I often wonder when that method will fail, because, let’s face it, a rubber band isn’t the most reliable in terms of security/longevity.

So am I interested in the Wally Case from Distil Union, which secures one’s cards to the iPhone via a snap-on hardshell case with a pull-tab action slim pocket? You betcha. However, don’t go thinking you can carry all your cards; it’s recommended that you keep it down to 3 cards plus a folded bill (or two). Back the campaign on Kickstarter for $40 or more to receive a case for your very own.

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Remember the crocheted laptop case (The Steven) from Krochet Kids International? Well, there’s iPad and iPad Mini sleeves as well, and remember, not only will each sleeve protect your device, but with each purchase you’re empowering the people of Uganda to rise above poverty. That’s what we call a win/win situation.

There’s also a couple of crocheted clutches (The Auburn and The Wendy), a card/coin purse (The Dixon), and various other clothing, hats, and accessories worth checking out.
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